Alumni Spotlight!
It was a big weekend for many of our Bethany Alumni! Here's a note from one of our parents on his son's incredible accomplishment: Jack Ryan attended commencement at Xavier University in Cincinnati today to receive his degree (double major of Finance & Marketing). He graduates Cum Laude.
We pray for God's grace as this young man takes the next steps in his journey! #bethanyproud #Sent2Serve
Alumni Spotlight!!
Today we celebrate Ava! Ava will graduate from NNHS (Naperville North) with honors and be studying communications at the University of Alabama. Her faith based education from Bethany Lutheran was priceless, provided the foundation for successful relationships and instilled eager study skills.
“Some of my favorite memories include Walcamp with Mrs. Dunwell, the class trip to St. Louis with Mr. Bremer and Mrs. Niccolai’s kindergarten live nativity and Thanksgiving Feast. Some exciting athletic events were the state cheer championship competition, Coach Gunether and Robert’s impressive track and XC seasons and being able to compete with all my friends. It is so nice to have benefited from a school with such caring teachers that celebrate God and all His works.”
Ava, we will pray for you as you begin your college journey! We are so proud of the young woman you've become. Come and see us often! #bethanyproud #Sent2Serve
Alumni Spotlight!
Today we celebrate graduating Senior, Katelyn and all her amazing accomplishments! Katelyn will be graduating from Bolingbrook High School. She has been in the academic TOP10 students of her class all four years of her high school career and is a member of NHS. She recently earned her Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish. She played on the basketball team all four years as well, with the highlight being taking 3rd place in the 2020 IHSA 4A Girls Basketball State Championship. Katelyn will be attending Calvin University in Grand Rapids, MI in the fall, where she will be studying pre-med (with the hopes of becoming an orthopedic surgeon) and will continue her basketball career as she's secured a spot on Calvin's women's team.
Katelyn credits her 9 years of Spanish class at Bethany for helping her achieve her Seal of Biliteracy and for her success in her AP Spanish classes in high school. She also learned how to defend her personal faith through lively (and sometimes heated) discussions in her religion classes at Bethany.
Katelyn, we are so proud of the young woman you are, and we know with your fierce determination you will go onto change the world in the name of Jesus! God bless you! #bethanyproud #Sent2Serve
🎓Alumni in the News! We couldn't be prouder of 2016 BLCS graduate, Brittany. Please take a moment to congratulate her below! We know that Brittany will go onto be a light of good in the world, and we can't wait to see what her bright future holds. God bless you, Brittany! #bethanyproud
"I grew up at Bethany, quite literally. I was fortunate enough to attend school here for eleven years. Not only that, but it is also where my dad works, so I spent a lot of time there before and after school as well. In addition to that, it is where I was baptized and confirmed.
The faculty is like family to me, and I would like to thank all of them for teaching me and bringing the word of God into the classroom every day. Some of my favorite memories at Bethany include choir and music classes with Mr. V, Mrs. Dunwell's science class, Mr. Schultz's history class, and religion class with the pastors. And of course, Mr. Bremer was also a fun addition to the classroom and one of my favorites for sure.
In addition to getting a fantastic education, I made some lifelong friends that I talk to on a daily/weekly basis even after all these years. The age-old idea that you don't know what you have until it's gone applies to my time at Bethany. Upon entering high school, I had no idea what I was in for. While I had the opportunity to meet a lot of new and exciting people, it was crazy to see how different people's lives are apart from Christ. But luckily, I knew my Bible well and was able to defend my faith and stay strong amid temptation. Thanks to the fantastic staff at Bethany, I grew even stronger in my faith these past four years as they still support me even after I have left the classroom.
I'm so excited to go to Concordia Wisconsin in the fall to pursue my Psychology degree while also gaining my Church Ministry minor that will allow me to bring the word of God to the next generation and hopefully keep Christ's church strong."
🎓Alumni in the News! Class of 2016 Marcus Skeete has signed on to play basketball at Concordia University - St. Paul! Check out the entire article below on a very strong recruiting class (tough to do in a pandemic!) We pray for a very successful university career for Marcus both on and off the court! #bethanyproud
“Fletcher on Skeete: It isn’t easy to find big, strong, athletic wings that can shoot the lights out. We found a gem in Marcus. His character and great attitude gives him the chance to be something special. CSP will love this young man.”
Check out the article below!
Alumni in the News! Check out this amazing testimonial from class of 2016 Harold Downs III:
Graduating from Bethany was special to me in different ways. Smaller class sizes meant special attention for students and recognition of their needs and work. I was able to obtain assistance with school work, and it was easier to talk to the teachers because they were so readily available and willing to listen. I received a Christian education which prepared me for the challenges of attending a public high school as well as handling my personal life.
My favorite memories at Bethany include: Winning state volleyball (2014); making the honor roll; Peoria and state basketball; 8th grade class trip to St. Louis; and Walcamp.
All the teachers and staff were instrumental in my success, but I’d like to especially thank the following: Mr. Sonlitner; Mr. Johnson for science; Mrs. Dunwell and Mrs. Stehle for their overall assistance; and Mr. Bolt.
I’m graduating from Waubonsie Valley High School where I played on the baseball team. I also participated in Boy Scouts and played in the Naperville Baseball Association’s Senior League during high school. I will be attending College of Dupage in the fall, concentrating on Meteorology, and I hope to transfer to the University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida to continue my studies in that field. I want to conduct research in Meteorology to develop better advanced warning systems and hope to play/coach baseball or be a sports broadcaster.
Harold, we know that you can do anything you set out to do! God will direct your steps as you continue your education and graduate from High School. Thank you for the many memories created at Bethany, and we continue to pray for you and your family as you journey to your next chapter. God's richest blessings to you, Harold! #bethanyproud
Leaving Bethany, I had a firm foundation for many obstacles that high school threw at me. I feel that my time spent at the school taught me to ask deeper questions, become more organized, and connect with staff. Everyone was very dedicated to the students in our endeavors during the time spent at Bethany and that gave way to a competitive edge that I am able to say is still maintained today.
Some of my favorite memories were the science workshops we did with Mrs. Dunwell and Mr. Johnson. I distinctly remember the egg drop and mouse trap cars. In fact, they make for great dinner time stories.
Of course, I would like to thank all of the staff for the time and energy they spent making us better students. I would like to specifically thank Mr. Johnson for help in math and science, he gave me the knowledge base that I needed to pursue higher education in a combination of those subjects. If I didn't understand a lesson, he was always willing to work with me until I did and I'm incredibly grateful for that! I would also like to thank Mr. Bremmer for all the laughs but teaching me how to focus when it's needed.
Attending Bethany really has made a difference in my education. I went into high school a more prepared and confident student. It is also such a blessing to grow in a nurturing Christ-centered environment, high school does have trials but leaning on faith during that time does make a huge difference. I feel excited to continue my education in mechanical and industrial engineering at Purdue University this year. I believe my education at Bethany helped put me on track to better things.
In faith, Liz Parmenter
Alumni in News - Anna Jaworski carries her Varsity Volleyball team to victory! Check it out below!
We're so proud of her dedication on the court and in the classroom. Through all this she makes time to consistently serve in church. #bethanyproud
Alumni in the News - Setter Alex Clasen led the Concordia University Cougars to victory with a team-high 25 assists! This dynamo is studying Elementary Education in River Forest and wants to be a Lutheran School Teacher, and we couldn't be more proud of the young woman she's become. Congratulation on your big debut, Alex!
Alumni in the News - Taylor Dunwell led Benedictine University to their fifth sweep in six attempts, with Taylor being named the MVP of the whole Tournament! Congratulations, Taylor! We are SO proud of all your accomplishments. God bless your Senior Year!
Alumni in the News: We are SO proud that Sydney has decided to join the AFJROTC in her freshman year at Bolingbrook High School. We will pray for strength and clarity for you, Sydney! God bless!
Alumni in the News! A resounding WAY TO GO, BLAKE for his recent honor at Plainfield North HS. We are SO proud of you!
Check out what 2015 Bethany Grad, Hunter, is up to! He is very accomplished, both on and off the court. God bless you as you enter your senior year of HS, Hunter!
Hunter is finishing up his junior year at Timothy Christian High School in Elmhurst. Hunter has been hoping Timothy would start up a boys volleyball team, and because of the popularity of the game growing in it's conference, and due to the growing interest on the part of students and families, Timothy launched it's "warm up season" this spring with a team that competed on the JV level. Competing in 6 conference matches (3 at home and 3 away) and in a JV tournament, Timothy's 11 player team completed the season with a 7-3 record, including wining 2nd at the JV tournament at Fenton High School. Next year Timothy's boys will compete in an official conference season. Hunter is excited to be part of the first team at Timothy! Go Trojans!
Hunter is also in his 4th season at Sport's Performance Boys Volleyball. He is the starting Middle Blocker on the 2nd 18's team (18 Lenny - photo). John Jaworski is one of his 10 teammates, consisting of 6 seniors and 5 juniors. They will be competing at the USAV Boy's Junior National Championship in Phoenix in early July. Their team will play in the National Open Division, after qualifying 3 times, in previous tournaments, to compete at this level. The team is named in honor of a fallen US soldier who played volleyball at Sport's Performance.
We fondly remember winning the LSA Illinois State championship in 2014. The foundations of Bethany volleyball were a great stepping stone for future achievements.
Hunter plans to play volleyball in college.
Celebrating our Alumnus, James! James is a 2014 Bethany graduate, and we're so proud of his accomplishments! Please join us in celebrating him. We pray for God to bless and keep him and his family as he goes off to college next year. Check it out below!
James will be graduating in a few weeks from Montini Catholic High School where a few Bethany graduates also attend school. He is an honors student, was on the Varsity Soccer Team all 4 years of high school, was all 4 years part of the Chicago Catholic League Academic All Conference for Soccer and was an assistant last year for the Montini Girls Varsity Soccer Team. He has been a summer lifeguard at Pelican Harbor, Bolingbrook Park District's pool since 9th grade and this year will be a Head Guard at the pool.
In the fall he will be attending Valparaiso University in the College of Nursing and Health Sciences. This university has a 5 year Physician Assistant program. James' goal is to be a graduate of this program which would earn him both a bachelor's and Masters degree to qualify him to be a Physician Assistant.
God bless you, James!
Please join us in congratulating Bethany alumnae, Savannah!
Savannah will be graduating in a few weeks from Downers Grove North High School. While Savannah was at North she played on the varsity softball team all 4 years. During this time she earned all conference and all state honors. She also earned an academic letter. Savannah enjoyed helping the athletic trainers at the high school when her schedule allowed. She really enjoyed ceramics class at North. This year she earned a Gold Key and a National Silver Medal for her ceramics work. Savannah also enjoys giving pitching lessons to younger kids, encouraging them to believe in themselves and to work hard.
Savannah earned a scholarship to play Division 1 softball at Western Illinois University. She is looking forward to attending Western and continuing her softball career.
God bless you and protect you as your begin the next chapter in your life, Savannah!!!
Congratulations to BLCS graduate, Marcus, on being named to DVC All-Conference Team and Honorable Mentioned for the All-Area Team. What an honor!
We are so excited to announce next year's plans for 2014 BLCS alumnae, Abigail. Let's celebrate her amazing success.
Abigail is graduating this year from Oswego East. They will be holding a Top 10% banquet in May to which Abbie will attend. She is graduating in the top 5% of her high school class out of 680 students. She is an Illinois State Scholar, President of Rho Kappa (History Honor Society), a member of National Honor Society, a member of Science National Honor Society and English National Honor Society. She also played on the volleyball team for all 4 years at Oswego East. Abbie will attend The University of South Carolina in the Fall as a Nursing Major and Capstone Scholar. She plans to become a Nurse Practitioner or Cardiologist.
May God continue to keep Abigail in His loving care as she moves onto this next wonderful chapter in her life. Best wishes, Abbie!
Bethany alumnus, John Jaworski, is having a GREAT volleyball career at NNHS! Check out his quotes and accomplishments in this Daily Herald article. Here's a quick sample: "Glenbard East is a really good team," Jaworski said. "We didn't lose faith. Crowd kept pushing us with energy and we were just able to do our thing." Way to go, John!! Link to article: http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/20180403/boys-volleyball-naperville-north-finds-footing-against-glenbard-east
THE MISSION OF BETHANY LUTHERAN SCHOOL IS TO PROVIDE AN EXCELLENT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND TO INSPIRE CONFIDENT LEARNERS WHO ARE ABLE TO DISCERN BIBLICAL TRUTH, THINK CRITICALLY, AND LIVE A LIFE OF SERVICE TO GOD AND NEIGHBOR.
