MLHS Alumni News – March 2026
Upcoming Events and News
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MLHS GALA – APRIL 18, 2026
The fourth annual MLHS Gala is running low on tickets already! We only have around 60 tickets remaining for this great event which brings the ML Family together to celebrate and support this ministry. This year’s theme, FIRE AND ICE, will help us focus on our efforts to replace the old and outdated HVAC units throughout the school. Over the past three years, much has been improved (the roof, floors, gym, doors, security system
SPRING SACRED CONCERT
The Spring Sacred Concert on March 15 will highlight the great things God has done to redeem us and make us His own called people. A dinner by the junior class will precede the concert beginning at 5:30. The band and choirs of ML will then perform their concert at 7:00 pm
WINTERFEST RECAP –
It was truly a historic and memorable night at Winterfest this year. All three basketball teams came away with victories to a full gymnasium of family and alumni. The Alumni Association had events all day, an alumni hospitality room for people to reconnect and tour the school, and two very special presentations.
The first was done during the halftime of the girls’ game when Mrs. Ruth Gephart (Lohmiller) was thanked and honored for starting the women’s basketball team 50 years ago. Numerous former players were in attendance for this special presentation.
At halftime of the boys’ game, the Alumni Association dedicated the new 15′ cross in memory of Bill Kruck. His wife, Sue, and family were in attendance, as were many friends and former students of Mr. Kruck’s.
All-day, we remembered how good our God is to have sustained and advanced ML’s mission of Christ-Centered Learning for Christ-Centered Living.
Alumni Games
A number of alumni came out to play in the Winterfest Alumni games, did the three-point contest, and even could still get up and dunk in the dunk contest!! This was the best turnout in years, and we hope to keep building on this as we plan for next year!
Winterfest Hospitality Room
The Alumni Association was able to have a space set aside on campus for everyone to gather and enjoy time reminiscing, get some great snacks, and find ways to pray for or give back to the high school. We were blessed to have Kilwin’s gift cards from Alumnus Rick Hill for the first 50 alumni to check-in! And, right next to the hospitality room, Hudson Print Co was setup for people to get Titan gear for any occasion! In fact, an ALUMNI STORE is now available online.
Are you an alumnus, current/former parent, or supporter of MLHS who owns a business? Fill out this form to add your information to our business directory! ADD YOUR BUSINESS OR SERVICE HERE
Email any of your milestones or newsworthy items to alumni@michiganlutheran.org so that we can celebrate together!
Stork Award Recipient – Debra Chapman (1994)
Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office and Central Dispatch proudly recognized Dispatcher Deb Chapman, (1994) with a Stork Award for her outstanding professionalism and calm response during a critical emergency call. Read more On December 9, 2025, at approximately 6:36 a.m., Dispatcher Chapman received a 911 call from a female in Waverly Township who was in active labor. After quickly assessing the situation, Deb determined the delivery was imminent and immediately began providing medically established childbirth instructions over the phone. Dispatcher Chapman’s professionalism, decisive actions, and compassionate support were key factors in ensuring a smooth delivery and a positive outcome for both mother and child. Her ability to remain composed during such a high-stress and joyful moment reflects the exceptional standard of service provided by our 911 dispatchers.
Another Child of God – Josiah Stejskal = Grace (Barner) Stejskal
God’s Blessings to alumna Grace Braner Stejskal (2016) and her husband, Cory on the birth of their son Josiah. Josiah was baptized at St. Paul, South Haven in December and was counted as one of God’s own dealy loved children.
God’s Blessings to your family!
Alumni Trivia Contest!
Congratulations to Emilie McConell – Class of 1982, for correctly guessing that the picture was Allan Steinke who built and designed the cross.
Here are some more pics from Winterfest 2026!
CONNECT WITH US – Follow us on our socials below. Email – secretary@michiganlutheran.org to receive the weekly MLHS Newsletter.
https://www.facebook.com/mlhsalumni
Help your Alumni Association
The Alumni Association has an aggressive plan to positively impact MLHS again during the 2025-2026 school year. Their plans are dependent on others joining in to help carry these events out! See the timeline below. Each of the quarterly meetings will have a Zoom option available.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION BUDGET AND EVENTS FOR THE YEAR
| April 18, 2026 | Annual Gala |
| May 3, 2026 | Quarterly Alumni Meeting |
| May 13, 2026 | Class of 2026 Luncheon |
| May 22, 2026 | Class of 1976 Dinner |
| June, 2026 | Annual Goals Meeting and Plan for Summer Mailing |
Alumni Association Committee
Jeremy Barbott – 269-588-2153 – jbarb1312@gmail.com
Becky (Biedenbender) Briney – 269-358-2998 – bbriney@michiganlutheran.org
Julie Duensing – 269-930-7542 – julieduensing@gmail.com
Beth (Bomke) Anderson – 269-313-3014 – Bbomke@hotmail.com
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