We are Walther, honoring our past, changing with the times, preparing for our pathway to the future. From the desk of our Advancement Director.
November, 2021
Tim Bouman, Head of School

Walther Family,

Warm greetings in the name of Christ! I am excited to announce that the Strategic Planning Committee is wrapping up its work and by year’s end we will have a comprehensive Strategic Plan to guide us in the coming years. The Committee was comprised of all Walther’s stakeholders: teachers, students, alumni, Association pastors, parents, community members, Board, and staff. Many members wear more than one of those hats! It was exciting to get to know one another better and to dream big dreams and make big plans. There is broad agreement that Walther should focus on its future and make investments so that it can be here to serve generations of young men and women for years to come. Before deciding on our Strategic Priorities, the Committee revised Walther Mission Statement, and I think it is a wonderful encapsulation of not just who and what Walther is but WHY Walther exists.

Walther’s new Mission Statement: “Walther Christian Academy is a culturally diverse and inclusive Christian middle and high school, rooted in the Lutheran tradition. Walther nurtures and prepares learners to fulfill their unique God-given potential through academic excellence, spiritual growth, and service, leadership and enrichment opportunities.” “For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ” 1 Corinthians 12:12

I look forward to sharing the plan soon. In the meantime, may God bless you and your family as we approach the holidays.

Go Broncos!
Sally Ruecking, Director of Advancement

Happy Thanksgiving to All!

The activities at Walther are endless, and the students are happy to have a “normal” school year! For those of you who support us, thank you. You are contributing to the lives and the future for our students.

The cast of CLUE did a wonderful job this past weekend, thanks to Samantha Rose and her team of volunteers and students. Our drama and music department provides exceptional work and has helped our school recruit so many students throughout the years.
And, under the leadership of our P.E.teacher and Volleyball coach, Matt Escobedo, our girls are the REGIONAL CHAMPIONS in Girls Volleyball Class 1A -IHSA! They brought the Championship Plaque home along with the GAME BALL! Congratulations Lady Broncos!

Walther Christian Academy is a place that truly nurtures students to be the very best they can be---in whatever they choose to pursue. Soon, you will be receiving our year-end appeal and I hope that you contribute to the best of your abilities. I am also asking everyone to identify whether or not you have left the school in your will and estate plan, and also what your work affiliation is and if there is an opportunity for us to grow our corporate partners. Please carefully fill out the response card and return it to the advancement department whether or not you can give this year. Your gifts ensure our ability to keep our doors open, and our stability and sustainability for the long haul.
Finally, stay tuned to read both our Annual Report and our strategic plan on our newly designed, easier to read website, which will be launched very soon.

Thank you for reading about Walther Christian Academy-Home of the Broncos!
WALTHER EVENTS!

In 2022, there are several events you can attend to support Walther!

Mark your calendars!

February 19, 2022 at 6 pm
Bronco Benefit at Maggiano's
Little Italy, Schaumburg, IL

February 26, 2022 at 6 pm
Second Annual Virtual Bronco Benefit will be hosted across the USA via Zoom

March 4, 2022
New Event: Bronco Benefit Junior
6 pm at the school. This event is for Alumni Classes of 1990 to 2021


June 4, 2022
Second Annual Bucking Bronco Run/Walk at the school and surrounding neighborhood


WALTHER STUDENTS Fruit Fundraiser Can Be Shipped Anywhere!
The Word of God is living and active in Walther's Fine Arts Department!

The Walther Bands and the Walther Grade School Instrumental Program continue to develop children's talents and spread the message of God's love through His gift of music. For over 40 years, Walther has held an annual citrus fruit fundraiser to support its music ministries. The time has come once again! Our fruit comes from Florida Indian River Groves, and it is literally picked from the trees in Florida the week after Thanksgiving and shipped directly to us, so the fruit is always fresh, delicious, and long-lasting.

This year Walther is providing musical instruments and private lessons to nearly 200 students at Walther and our area Lutheran schools. In March, our Wind Ensemble and Jazz Band hope to return to the road for a Tour/Mission Trip to the south. The proceeds from this fundraiser will help support the ministries of the Walther Band Programs. Your support through this event is greatly appreciated. The sale runs through November 10. You can have your fruit shipped to Walther and we will contact you when it arrives, or for our out-of-town supporters, you can have it shipped directly to your home! Makes great Christmas gifts! 

To order online, go to https://www.floridaindianrivergroves.com/ Walther's ID is 294317
Questions? Contact Samantha Rose at:
Meet: John Franklin


My name is John Franklin, and I am one of the Middle School teachers here at Walther. I currently teach Math, Religion, PE, Health, and Technology along with coaching all the Middle School sports teams. 

I was born and raised in Chicago and attended Concordia University Chicago. This is my 5th year teaching middle school and my 18th year of teaching as I taught at Luther North College Prep in Chicago for 13 years. I have been married for almost 5 years to my wife Rachael and we are currently in the adoption process and are waiting to adopt a baby. I enjoy running 5ks and cooking all different types of food. My wife and I also volunteer for a lab rescue and foster puppies from time to time and have two labs of our own. 

I enjoy working at Walther because here I can share my faith with my students and truly teach and coach in a family atmosphere. It is a true blessing to be here at Walther and do what I love-teaching and coaching students and athletes. 
Our next paver installation
will be scheduled soon, so please order yours today!

The time is NOW to become a permanent part of Walther by purchasing an engraved paver today! You can purchase one on our website by clicking the link above to honor your time here at Walther, thank a parent for sending you here, thank a teacher or honor someone's memory.
Pavers are $200 each.
Meet: Middle School
8th Grader
Kira McGhee

Kira is an active and engaged student who just joined the Aura Club. She told me recently, "Walther is a very open and welcoming school. I am glad I attend here because it enhances both my education and creativity." Here is what Kira has to say:

"Hi, my name is Kira. I came to Walther in the 6th grade. Some things I love about this school are the activities, the environment, and the love I get from other people.

When I grow up I want to be an actor, dancer, singer, writer, gymnast, and teacher (I know.. it's a lot). I have a fairly small family, including a mom, dad and a brother. We lived in Michigan and later moved to Melrose Park IL."
To Our Donors...
Walther would not exist without you!

To all ALUMNI: We are asking every one of you, regardless of where you are in life, to consider including Walther Christian Academy in your will.
Leaving a legacy at Walther means that more students will experience the joy of attending a school that truly cares about them and that your legacy will be helping students tomorrow.

Please contact Sally_Ruecking@WaltherAcadamy.org to discuss your wishes.