Why Choose MLHS
Even though they come from several different schools, MLHS students develop close friendships. Senior Grace Bertram wrote a beautiful testimony to the her friends that she made while at MLHS.
"Once upon a time, in a land not so far away, there lived a girl. This girl, however, was unlike any of the other girls in her land. She loved music. This girl loved to sing and dance everywhere she went, she obsessed over marching band as if it were the only form of entertainment out there, and she played the piano whenever she possibly could. This girl was also very different. She fell asleep to fantasies of fictional men dancing around in her head, and she wore obnoxious clothing such as rain boots, spandex pants, and big pink sunglasses. This girl was a unique character, and therefore you can pretty much imagine the girl's dilemma when she traveled to a new land—a land known as Martin Luther.
Martin Luther was much different than the land that the girl was from. In the land of Martin Luther, sports were seen as the sun, and everything else revolved around them. Everybody in Martin Luther played sports, and unfortunately for the girl, sports were not her strength.
There was one sport that was particularly important in the land of Martin Luther. Basketball. Girls’ Basketball to be exact! All the girls who lived in this land played this fierce, exciting, and riveting sport. They spent their mornings, afternoons, and evenings eating, breathing, and even sleeping basketball. To play on the varsity team was something that one wanted more than anything in the world. The younger, less mature girls waited anxiously until the one day when they could put on the blue and silver jersey and be a part of that starters’ line-up. Basketball was the thing!
In the land of Martin Luther, there was a class of greatness. The Class of 2011. The Class of 2011 had six beautiful girls who were all unique in their own certain way, and when the girl from the far away land saw these girls, she was floored because of their beauty, charm, and great wit. But something also frightened her. They all played basketball. Yes, every single one of them. And they were good! All six of these girls could dribble ten times better than the poor girl, they could shoot three pointers and free-throws as if it were second nature, they could weave their way around other players, etc., etc., etc. But what was even more remarkable was the fact that these six girls could do all these things while still looking absolutely gorgeous! The girl from far away admired these extraordinary girls, but she had a problem: she herself could not play basketball. In fact, basketball scared her. The concept of having an orange object thrown at her face at vast and immaculate speeds frightened the poor girl! There was absolutely no future for the girl when it came to basketball, and she and everybody knew it. Now the question arose: how would she survive in such a land where basketball was the center of the solar system?
Surprisingly enough, the girl found a way to indeed survive. This girl was lucky enough to be a part of the magnificent Class of 2011, and she was able to get to know each and every one of the six girls. She learned that these girls were kind, caring, incredibly intelligent, and they loved her even though she couldn't play the sacred sport of basketball. The six girls were overjoyed to see the girl sitting in the stands, cheering and screaming as loud as she could, and this made the girl extremely happy.
Over a four year time span, the girl watched the six girls grow on the basketball court. She watched as these six girls went from B-squad to Varsity starters. She watched as these girls went from fearing the Almighty G, to loving her with all their hearts. She watched the girls pick out their basketball shoes every year, each choosing a style that made them content. This girl watched as these six girls became a team that worked together, thought together, and helped each other out. Seeing all these things made the girl even happier.
The girl had the opportunity to watch this wonderful group of girls achieve goals that no other team in that land had achieved. These girls had conquered the frightening Bluejays for three years straight—a team that used to demolish and frighten those in the land of Martin Luther. These girls, as sophomores, had led their team to win their Sub-Section Championship. These girls, as juniors, had led their team to the Sub-Section Championship, getting second runner-up, but still traveling extremely far. And as seniors, the girl had the opportunity to watch the outstanding group of girls take an unforgettable journey.
Throughout the 2010-2011 basketball season, the six girls were unstoppable. They won tournaments, games, and became the number one seat in their sub-section. When it came time for play-offs, the girls continued to dominate, soaring past the Madelia Blackhawks and then the Truman Bluejays. When it came time for the Sub-Section Championship game against GHEC, the girls were ready. The girl observed how they were more composed and calm than any other game they had played... and this confidence carried them far. In an exciting game, the Martin Luther Lady Knights were able to defeat the GHEC Mustangs 36-18—a massacre rightfully earned! Because of this great win, the girls would travel to the Section Championship—the game to determine if the girls would head to state. The girl could see everyone, including the six girls, yearning for the coveted title of Section Champions, but she knew that she could say nothing, for this was a very important game and the outcome would forever change the rest of the school year. All the girl could do was dress up in as much blue and silver as she could and go root for her team in the giant sports center at MSU. This was going to be a game that nobody would forget.
The first half was great! The six girls were able to keep the score almost tied, leading by one point at the end of the thrilling first half. The girl was excited! And I mean really excited—her palms were shaking, she was shaking, and she couldn't stop fidgeting. She couldn't even imagine how her dear friends were feeling out on the court. When the second half came, the girls started off rough. However, the girl understood that these girls were under a lot of pressure. She watched as they got beat up and tossed across the floor, and winced every time something bad happened. As the clock was getting closer and closer to zero, the girl watched as the six girls played their hearts out. They fought and fought and were able to bring the score within two points of the other team—an incredible and outstanding accomplishment on their part! When the final buzzer echoed throughout the sports center, the score remained 42-40. The girls had lost the Section Championship game. The girl watched as these six girls walked to the middle of the court, tears streaming down their faces. The girl herself started to cry, wishing more than anything that she could go and give each one of these special girls a hug. She watched as they accepted their medals and walked solemnly off the basketball court. The anticipated game was over. The six girls had come in second for Sections, and after four years, their basketball career was finally over.
After the game, the girl wondered how the six girls were feeling. She wondered if they were happy to be done with basketball, or if they were sad that their pride and joy was over. She wondered if they'd be able to walk the next morning after being thrown on the floor so many times! The girl was overcome with emotions and walked out of MSU gloomier than ever. However, something changed inside of her, and a thought sprung in her mind: "I love my girls!" The girl realized that it didn't matter what the score was or who won, it only mattered that these girls had played their hardest! These girls had worked their butts off during that game, and no matter what, they were winners. And she loved them very much.
Now that basketball is forever over, the girl from the faraway land wants the six girls to know something extremely important. The girl is so proud of her girls for everything they've accomplished in the last four years. They've made it to Sub-Sections three years in a row—something that most teams don't ever experience—and won two out of those three years. They've brought the land of Martin Luther farther in basketball than ever before, and will forever go down in history because of it. These girls have succeeded in so many ways and the girl wants to let the six girls know that she wishes she could do what they have done, for even though she cannot play basketball, she sure wishes she could! Basketball involves teamwork, trust, and love for one another, and the six girls all have a great amount of that. They demonstrate attitudes unlike any other kind that the girl has ever seen, and she is proud to claim them as her own. These girls all contribute their talent to the team in ways that bring them success: Haley in her ability to score, run, and lead the team; Steph, despite her shortness, in her ability to run faster down the court, jump exceptionally high, and make three pointers as if they come naturally; Tonya in her ability to go out there and make basketball look easy in her confidence and spirit; Aly in her ability to scrabble and rebound after balls, and still somehow be alive despite her time on the ground; Rachel in her ability to go into a game, have the ball thrown to her suddenly, and score!; and Sydney in her ability to go into the game and act as a decoy, always helping others, even it means bruising her butt for a week.
All six of these girls are what makes up a team—a team like none other. They have formed a team and a friendship that will forever blossom, and the girl from faraway is so happy to say that she can call them her beloved friends. The girl is so proud of her girls for what they have accomplished and will forever cherish these memories. No matter what the final score was at the end of that final game, the girl wants the six girls to know that she will always think of them as winners and the best team ever. Because of these girls, the girl has come to love the sport of basketball and she even understands Bonus now!!!!!!!! The girl wants to say thank you to the six girls for four wonderful years of excitement, and she hopes they all succeed in the future! No matter where they go or whatever they do, they will always be in her heart.
I love you girls,
Grace
This is my absolute favorite picture of you guys, and THIS is how I will forever remember you!"
Parents choose MLHS for the same reasons that they choose a parochial elementary school for their young children....learning about Jesus Christ on a daily basis...well-rounded education based on Christian beliefs...caring, Christian teachers...smaller class sizes...individualized attention...Christian education (creation vs.evolution)...discipline that show children Biblically where they are wrong...Jesus' love put at the center of your life...academic focus...teaching them Christian values and morals...talk freely and ask questions about God....something that will carry them throughout life. ”
“When you make the choice to have your children attend a parochial school you do so because you want to raise them with Christ at the center of their lives. All the classes at MLHS have a very strong Christian based text and keep Christ at the center of their teachings.
Our children are very influenced by the people who surround them; a very famous person said “It takes a community to raise a child”. Many of us know with the crazy schedules we keep we can not do the job of raising our children alone so we look for the best possible community to help support us. A community that has the same values and beliefs we do to help us with the most important job we will ever have- raising our children.
The graduates of MLHS have a greater chance for success because of the fundamentals and expectations that Martin Luther instills in them. I have seen the success of Martin Luther in my children and their friends and I am proud to be a parent of MLHS graduate and student.”
Barbara and Roger Tonn, Amboy
“We decided to send our daughter to Martin Luther for the superior education it provides. We feel she'll be better prepared for college. The teachers are great! They push the students to reach their full potential. All classes have final semester exams set up like the colleges. The ACT scores achieved at ML are higher than the area schools and to us this was very important. It is also a small school where parents are involved. This was also a major deciding factor for us. Our daughter won't slip through the cracks.”
Laurie and Brad Sherman, Truman.
Catie-2013
“The reason we decided to send our children to MLHS is that we wanted them to continue a Christian education after receiving Christian elementary education at St. Paul’s Lutheran School of Truman. Martin Luther HS is very family orientated. Good communication between students, parents and staff. Our children have said the classes are very challenging but they enjoy going to school every day. They have learned good study habits that will help them later when they go on to college. Most of all they have enjoyed the new friendships they have made while being enrolled at MLHS.”
Steve and Kim Meade, Truman.
“We just wanted you to know that we knew when Caitlin was young, that Martin Luther was the school for her. We knew that she would flourish with the family atmosphere that not only carried the spirit of the Lord through out the day but through out the school family that she spends the majority of her time with now that she is a teenager. She couldn't be in a better place when she is not with us! Martin Luther High School has enabled our family to bond together and enjoy these teenage years together. Thanks! “
Laura and Wayne Wille, Fairmont
Caitlin-2013 Carter-2017
“I (Lois) was Lutheran school educated through 8th grade, and as an adult look back and see the benefits of that Christian education, small class size, etc. I have always desired that same experience and firm foundation in faith for my children that I received. MLHS provides that. The cost and distance can make it a challenge, but we try to look at challenges as something to be overcome, rather than a roadblock.”
Dr. James and Lois Creech, Estherville, IA
Catherine-2010, Caleb-2012, Hannah 2014
“MLHS has been our choice for the only High School to send our 4 children too. Children are all different and take away something different from their high school experience, but at MLHS they all came away with faith based, college ready, life skills, eager to handle most situations in a Christian manner. No other school in the area can teach the whole child, spiritually, emotionally, and educationally.
It is said that the devil works harder in a Christian school, but at MLHS we are able to arm our children with the knowledge of Christ to teach them how to turn away from the devil and his works. Our children have been so happy they attended MLHS, they have made lasting Christian friends and keep this school close to the hearts. They all love "coming home" to Martin Luther.
As parents we never considered another school for our children. Not with everything MLHS offers. Small class sizes, Chapel, Bible Classes, a wide variety of sports to choose from, choir, band, clubs etc wonderful teachers and Pastors. We were their parents and we chose for them what we think was the best high school in the area.
They are very happy with our choice!
We will always keep MLHS in our thoughts and prayers!”
Myron and Cathy Kietzer
Holly-1998, Jesse-2000, Jordan-2003
and Abbie-2010
“Two of our daughters are graduates of MLHS. One has her Masters in Sport Management—the other a Bachelors in Social Work. Both of them were very prepared for college—academically and socially.
Our youngest daughter is a Senior at MLHS. She is earning numerous transferable college credits while never leaving the MLHS campus.
Our daughters’ experiences at MLHS have been so positive. Their daily interaction with Christian teachers has been priceless. We chose an education based upon Christian love and Christian values, rather than an education filled with tolerance and worldly foolishness. “
Larry and Annette Bremer, Truman
Leslie-2004, Elizabeth-2007, Aly-2011
“Parochial Schools have been a part of Paul’s and my lives since childhood. We were both raised in Lutheran homes and were lucky to have schools affiliated with our churches. When Paul and I had children, it was natural to send them to our parochial school. We were very fortunate to have MLHS to send our children to after they graduated from St James Lutheran in Northrop. When our son, Tom, was in 8th grade we did look at the public school. We toured the school and visited with the faculty. We looked at the sports program, we looked at the classroom sizes, and the curriculum. But parochial education was and continues to be a part of our life. The fact that religion can be taught and social issues can be discussed with a moral viewpoint far out weighs any other option. MLHS is fortunate to have a caring administrator and faculty, competitive classroom courses to prepare students for post high school education and the support of Lutheran congregations.
Influences of society and peer pressures are getting stronger everyday. We feel a parochial school will help encourage Christian values that we have taught at home and help our children choose the Godly path as they enter the adult world.”
Paul and Sharon Leimer, Truman
“Martin Luther has been one of the best choices we have made for our sons! Both Parker (2010) and Tanner (2013) have loved it there. The teachers and their support have been amazing. We wanted them to hopefully gain a stronger relationship with God and have an excellent education. It has been a win-win situation.
When your child reminds you not to lose faith and pray about your problems, that indeed is priceless. I would encourage everyone to send their children to MLHS. It is ‘a choice worth making!’”
Tim & Karen Weihe, Truman
Parker-2010, Tanner-2013
“As for why we chose MLHS, I would say the biggest reasons are, we want our children prepared for college and life in general after high school. We wanted them surrounded by kids and people that have those same goals. When I say goals I am talking social, academic, athletics and religious.
This choice was not just about the kids our children are around but the parents of those children. Hunter happens to have a very great class full of very good families.
It also is encouraging when she was in 8th grade playing basketball with kids she doesn't go to school with, and was treated so well, even by the upper classmen.
There is one more big reason, the teachers. The dedicated staff is not at MLHS for the big paycheck, they are there for the love of the kids and their desire to teach young people. That is one reason MLHS will excel in these uncertain financial times when the public schools are struggling so hard to hang on.
Doug & Rachelle Payne, Truman
“The best example of family atmosphere we can think of is Martin Luther High School. Having grown up in a public school system we feel very privileged to be able to have the opportunity to send our children to a private school. After starting out in a parochial grade school, we felt our girls would continue to flourish with God in their lives.
Others sometimes have opinions that small class sizes are a hindrance to a learning environment, but after seeing the student interaction it can only be beneficial in our eyes. MLHS offers a well-rounded, faith-based education that not only prepares children for post-secondary schooling, but instills Christian values that will be with them for the rest of their lives.
As a sophomore, Myranda enjoys the family orientated atmosphere and feels that she is not lost in the politics of a large school which gives her more time to focus on learning. Also our basketball team ROCKS!! Her younger sisters, Shelby and Macy can't wait to go to MLHS and have the same awesome experiences as their big sister. “
Doug and Laurie Quinn, Truman.
Myranda-2013, Shelby-2015
and Macy-2018.
“Our son, Colton, was struggling at his previous school because he just didn’t fit in anywhere. He is a country boy that would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it even if he didn’t know you. He likes sports but isn’t considered “a jock”. Shortly after coming to Martin Luther, Colton said ‘You know, I really like it here because I can be who I am and I am accepted for that. I don’t have to pretend to be who I am not.’ The best part was that we did not have to fight with Colton to go to school, he actually wants to be there— every day. I believe that Martin Luther is a perfect fit for our son, Colton.
Our daughter, Taylor, has now chosen to come to Martin Luther next year as a freshman because of the good things her brother has told her about Martin Luther. Our kids, even though they are not the best in their sport, get a chance to play the sport on the field/court with their teammates and truly feel a part of their team, not just a bench warmer. Martin Luther is a wonderful school for my children and really has saved us from years of anguish and fighting with our children.
As a mother of a young man who soon will be entering his last year at Martin Luther I would say, “Martin Luther allows your son to be who they are and with religion incorporated into everyday schooling, God is a huge part of their lives. With the smaller classes, the kids form close relationships with each other. The family atmosphere is probably the best part of Martin Luther, because all the students attending school get to know one another and truly care about each other’s life.” You don’t get to experience that kind of atmosphere in a larger public school.
John (‘89) and Tammy Hilgendorf, Welcome
Colton-2012, Taylor-2015
“At Martin Luther High, students are free to study God’s Word, share their personal faith story, and apply law and Gospel. MLHS equips students for life, they learn to care for others, learn to demonstrate integrity, and are free to pray. MLHS creates, in partnership with family and church, a community of enthusiastic, confident young people. MLHS also provides each student with an excellent academic and Biblical foundation. We are proud to have sent our children to MLHS.”
Roger and Jorja Wokasch, Fairmont
“Our choice to send our son to MLHS was not a difficult decision to make. Our son had attended a parochial school up to this point and we wanted to further his Christian education. We found that the size of MLHS made it easy for teachers to give each student the individual attention they needed. Our son was very well prepared when he started college. We have to thank the teachers and staff at MLHS for this. Making sacrifices to be able to give your child a good Christian education is worth it. We think you will find it a choice well worthwhile.”
Greg & Nancy Gellert, Fairmont
Ryan-2002