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PRINCIP AL ’S MESSA GE

The mission of Lutheran High School West is to provide an educationally rich, Christ-centered
experience in a 21st century learning environment. This mission has been carried out at the school
for over 60 years and continues to remain true today. The 2018-2019 school year saw Lutheran West
educate over 460 students, setting another high point for enrollment over the course of the last ten
years. Given that Lutheran West is reaching an increasing population of Christian students from a
growing number of Christian, charter, and public schools, an intentional focus on the mission is
more important than ever to our educational process.

Lutheran West conducted an internal and external study over the course for the 2018-2019 school
year which focused on brand perception and marketing/branding materials. Outcomes of this study
included a revitalized mission statement (listed above) and updates to the brand statement that will
now inform new marketing strategies and communications efforts. This includes newly designed printed materials, a modern-
ized website, and updated logos throughout the building over the course of the upcoming school year. The central goal of
this marketing study is to ensure that the values of the school are accurately reflected to the public, specifically to those hearing
about Lutheran High School West for the first time.
The school also launched a special projects capital campaign entitled “I Believe in West” that included renovations to the
Wittrock Gymnasium, Library, and Main Offices. Construction began in May of this year and is scheduled to be completed on
November 30, when a celebration event will be held at Lutheran West to signify the end of the campaign. Marty Uhle, former
Superintendent & CEO of the Cleveland Lutheran High School Association, spearheaded the coordination of this extensive
project. A goal of $150,000 was set as the amount needed to complete the project through the support of the Lutheran West
and CLHSA communities. Through the collective efforts of our Development Office and all those involved in the fundraising
campaign, as well as the generous support of the Lutheran West community, we were able to reach our goal and complete
these important facility improvements.

One program I would like to highlight from this past school year is the Lutheran West Drama Department. In April, the Dra-
ma Department staged a phenomenal performance of Fiddler on the Roof. A reception was held for supporters of the Arts and
the Jochum Performing Art Center from the past 30 years, and we were blessed to visit with many drama alumni who returned
for the reception and performance. The shows sold out on Friday and Saturday evenings, and the performances generated
rave reviews from attendees with some claiming it was, “one of the best performances Lutheran West has ever done.” The
musical was also entered into the Playhouse Square Dazzle Awards, a regional drama awards showcase including 30 area high
school drama departments. Lutheran West received Dazzle Awards nominations for best costume design and best supporting
actress, both of which were significant accomplishments considering this was the first time the school has participated in the
awards showcase. The Drama Department will once again participate in the Dazzle Awards this spring.

Reflecting upon the past year, the work that God continues to accomplish through our ministry is apparent and tangible. I
welcome readers of this Annual Report to visit Lutheran West so that I can show you some of these exciting changes in person.

Blessings,

MICHAEL W A UGH L W'02
P RINCIP AL, L UTHERAN WEST

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