Katy Kowalski - Class of 2014
"Heartland Lutheran High School is a family." "Heartland Lutheran High School is a facility where young minds receive a Christ centered, cross focused education." These are the two commonly repeated quotes received when students are asked the question by Mr. Wagnitz, "What does Heartland Lutheran mean to you?"
Though the first two quotes are appropriate and accurate, they are inadequate. They work, but not really. There is so much more going on here that is hidden behind overused, dry, measly quotes. As a freshman I succumbed to the quotes. When asked this question I dressed up the family notion and stuck with it. It is what I had been hearing from my older brothers Alvin and Cole, and the whole stance behind an article in the newspaper where my guardian and new, sister-in-law Meghann (Uden) Kowalski was featured. As a young lady I really did see Heartland Lutheran as a family and by no doubt I still do. But what I have taken from Heartland Lutheran is more than I can ever thank or repay.
In the past four years a lot has happened to me. At first, I discovered how Heartland Lutheran was rich in opportunities for everybody. I was part of the very first marching band, the Quiz Bowl team was Conference Champions, and I, a slightly chubby freshman, participated in all the sports I wanted to do. Having these opportunities at such a growing and transitioning time in a child's life is great. I was able to be part of many amazing teams through the years.
My life fell apart, however, in the spring of my junior year I lost my mother. This was a difficult time emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I felt lost and broken. After losing someone like that in your life and you have turned away from God, those around you are the only ones there left to pick you back up. My family both at home and Heartland Lutheran were there for me, probably more than I will ever realize. They lifted my spirits and through that Christ centered education and the work of the persistent Holy Spirit I received every day, my faith was restored and strengthened.
I don't know what would have happened to me if I would have gone anywhere else. God would have still blessed my life in different ways, but the same independent, young woman I am today would not have been the result. I am blessed to have had this wholesome environment to grow in for the past four years. Those four years seem so quick now as I look back. But the effect of every moment spent there will stay with me as I look to the next door God will open for me.
I guess in the end it really does all boil down to the quotes. What Heartland Lutheran High School means to me is a Christ centered cross focused education with my ever growing family.
Katy Kowalski - Class of 2014
“Heartland Lutheran High School has really been making a name for itself recently.
Our success is visible. Our music department brings home plaques and superior ratings; our speech team earns trips to state competitions; our drama department entertains the community with musical productions; our Quiz Bowl team wins trophies; and our sports teams continue to break records. Outwardly, we are making strides. There’s been a lot of Hornet Pride in the air during the past year, and I’m glad to be part of it.
But when I consider Heartland Lutheran’s place in my life, medals and statistics aren’t the first qualities that spring to mind.
I love attending Heartland Lutheran because I trust its Leader. I attend a school that puts the message of salvation through Jesus Christ at its core. We live each day as forgiven sinners, and we learn how to serve one another with Christ-like love through our studies, our extracurricular activities, and our relationships with one another.
And that’s the true meaning of an education. Think about it: the point of education is to teach the truth about the world and how we relate to it. Heartland Lutheran’s method of education focused on Christ has an edge on secular institutions, doesn’t it? How can we equip ourselves for life in this world if we aren’t basing our knowledge on eternal truth?”