St. Luke’s Lutheran School is wrapping up its 76th school year and the graduating class of 2023 is preparing for their ceremony. Graduation is a time when students and their families reflect on their time at St. Luke’s and share memories they have made throughout the years. For six of our families this time is particularly special because their students are second-generation graduates from SLLCS. It’s always exciting to see multigenerational families at St. Luke’s, but six graduating in one year is a new record! To celebrate this momentous occasion, we asked our Legacy Families if they would like to share some of their favorite memories from their time at St Luke’s Lutheran School.
Alli Schulman (Langfeldt) was in the graduating class of ’94. Her favorite memory of being a student at St. Luke’s was the Olden School Days with Ms. Wiedenmann in 4th grade and D.C. trip in 8th grade. She chose St. Luke’s for her daughter, Lizzi, because of the generations of families here and the Christian foundation. As a parent her favorite memory is the Cradle to the Cross service.
Kathy Love (Duda) was in the graduating class of ’89. Her favorite memory of being a student at St. Luke’s was Ms. Wiedenmann’s Old Fashioned School Days and Her Majesty of Multiplication, her 4th Grade class trip to St. Augustine, her 8th Grade class trip to Tallahassee and the life-long friendships that remain with numerous classmates. She chose St. Luke’s for her daughter, Sophie, because of the excellent education and the very caring teachers. But most of all, because it provides an amazing Christian and Biblical foundation. As a parent her favorite memories are cheering at Sophie’s sporting events, attending chapel, volunteering on class field trips, and witnessing the special friendships Sophie has formed.
Michael Rose was in the graduating class of ’91. His favorite memory of being a student at St. Luke’s was the Olden School days with Ms. Wiedenmann, pretending to be in school in colonial times. He chose St. Luke’s for his daughter, Katelyn, because he had a wonderful experience here and hoped that his kids would as well. The caring staff and family feel to the school make parents feel more connected to the students’ school life. As a parent his favorite memory is the Veteran’s Day Salute.
Taylor Patton was in the graduating class of ’94. Sarah Patton (Arp) attended St. Luke’s in elementary school. Taylor’s favorite memory of being a student at St. Luke’s was the 8th grade DC trip. Sarah’s favorite memory of being a student at St. Luke’s was her dad being the Vicar when she was in first grade. They chose St. Luke’s for their daughter, Abigail, because St. Luke’s is their church home and they wanted their children to grow up immersed in their faith. As a parent their favorite memories are chaperoning the 8th grade DC trip, hearing the details of Abigail’s understanding of her faith in discussions at home, and watching Abigail play and excel in sports.
Stephen Parsch attended St. Luke’s through 6th grade in 1983. His favorite memory of being a student at St. Luke’s was the athletics programs, Ms. Wiedenmann, Corn Fest, and Chapel. He chose St. Luke’s for his daughter, Jillian, because his father is a retired Lutheran Minister and his sisters all attended St. Luke’s. He wanted his children to have the same Lutheran school environment they had. As a parent his favorite memory is being involved in school activities and sharing so many fun times with other school families.
Peggy (Lukas) Rose is the grandmother of Preston Rose, and was in the graduating class of ’69. Wesley Rose, Preston’s Dad was in the graduating class of 1992. Peggy’s favorite memories while at St. Luke’s is going to Sanlando Springs for the end of year picnic, and VBS was always a favorite. Wesley talked fondly about the competition of Track & Field Day, and all the field trips. Both Wesley and Peggy were active participants in St. Luke’s athletic programs. Peggy was a cheerleader and remembers marching in her cheerleading outfit for the Christmas Parade. Wesley was actively involved in sports, and Track & Field was one of his favorite sports. Both Peggy & Wesley’s families chose St. Luke’s for their children first and foremost to make sure their children would have a strong Christian education, and would be raised in a strong Christian atmosphere. Also Peggy’s grandfather was a founding member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.