Dear Members of the 1960-2021 Graduation Classes from Manitowoc Lutheran High School,

I should tell you right from the start that I am not an alum of Manitowoc Lutheran High School (MLHS). I am a 1967 graduate of Valders High School. I cannot really explain to you why I did not attend MLHS.  I grew up on a farm, and the opportunity to take agriculture classes, and be a part of the Valders Chapter of Future Farmers of America maybe was one reason.  During those high school years, because of Christian parents, and by the grace of God, I remained an active member of my church, which at the time was St. John‘s Newtonburg. Fast forwarding, I went to college, got married to Linda, who from that day, and for over 50 years, has been my wife and my best friend. Linda is also a Valders High School alum. Early on in our marriage, Linda and I were blessed with two wonderful sons, Christopher and Chad. Both are MLHS graduates. During Chris and Chad’s years at MLHS was when Linda and I really connected with MLHS and became members of the “Lancer family.”

Over the past several years I have been blessed to have the opportunity to serve in different capacities at MLHS. That service has allowed me to meet and serve with many fellow Lancer Family members, many I was meeting for the first time. I have become good friends with many of those people. Service brings with it many blessings, one of the greatest blessings is sharing your faith with your fellow believers.

Currently, my gracious Lord is allowing me to serve on the Board of Control and as chairman of our Building Our Future on Christ Capital Campaign Steering Committee. One of my favorite events as a member of the Board of Control is the one day each year we get to spend an entire day at MLHS. During that day we have the opportunity to talk with faculty and support staff and we get to interact with the students. We also attend chapel. That day happened to be yesterday. As I was sitting in the gym and listening to the message that was presented by Mr. Hoelper, I couldn’t help but observe who was in the gym at that time. Faculty, support staff, Board members, students, and Jesus. Yes, Jesus was there too. You could feel it. What a blessing to be a part of that brief portion of the school day at MLHS. The amazing thing is that Jesus was not there just for chapel, he was there in math class, chemistry class, his presence was felt throughout the entire school. Jesus attended our afternoon Board of Control meeting.

Getting back to chapel, what really touched my heart was looking at the students. Those precious young souls that were growing in their faith as they listened to God’s Word. The hymn we sang could not have been more fitting, “Take My Life and Let It Be.” Those precious young souls: that’s what Manitowoc Lutheran High School is all about. At one point in your life, YOU were one of those precious young souls, and remember, you still are. I pray that your time at MLHS was precious to you. I pray that it helped prepare you for a live of service to your Savior. You are still a Lancer!

In closing, I ask for your prayers that our gracious Lord would continue to bless our Manitowoc Lutheran High School. Pray for our faculty and support staff, those precious young souls, our ministry, and yes, please pray and consider joining with us together, as a family, as we Build Our Future on Christ.

Have a blessed Easter.
In Christ,

Jerry Haupt

Building Our Future on Christ
Board of Control Chairman

Alumni Spotlight: Nate Kallies, Class of '95

How did MLHS prepare you spiritually to go out into the world?
MLHS taught me how to defend my faith respectfully with those who might not share the same Biblical beliefs that I hold. "Speaking the truth in love" is important in my current position. Teens today are struggling in so many ways. Society has made it seem that as long as you are happy you can do whatever you want. Ironically, the result is many unhappy teens who are struggling daily. If we don't counsel with them out of love and care, we will end up pushing them in the wrong direction. More than ever our teens need adults who show that they love them first. Only through a positive relationships can you then deal with some of the heavy topics they are wrestling with.

What is your fondest memory from MLHS? 
Wrestling, by far. I am so thankful that Mr. Carolfi convinced a 110-pound wimp into going out for wrestling that one fateful day in Algebra class. He then convinced my parents that night at parent-teacher conferences. It led to many fond memories, unbelievable team success, and many friends. Wrestling taught me many of the lessons that are still applicable to my life today.

What advice would you give to current MLHS students? 
Take advantage of the opportunities you have with your spiritual leaders at school while you still see them every day. Additionally, the Bible is God's Word! Put your full trust in what God is telling you. That might sound like a given, but it takes a lot of faith and trust to fully defend Biblical truth in today's world. So, defend Christian truth in a world full of subjective truth, but do so with love and grace to those around you.

Upcoming Events at MLHS