"The Ball is Rolling..."

The school year is definitely rolling along. I have been so impressed and excited to be welcomed as I have into this community, and have enjoyed meeting new people all the time. One of my favorite things about being Principal at CLHS is the opportunity to interact with so many people that have such a connection to this place. God is good to us, and continues to lead and guide us each and every day.

One of the more interesting times of a school year, in my opinion, is the start. Each year, we come together to get things in place, make schedules, prepare classrooms, get fields ready, order supplies, the list goes on and on. The neat thing is that even in a school that has over 75 years of history behind it, we still begin "anew" each year! We have to "get the ball rolling" each time. No year is exactly the same, and the makeup of students, faculty and staff differs every year. Add new iPads and a brand new Principal into the mix and the change can seem overwhelming!

New starts can be refreshing, but they can also bring about fear. Having the task of starting new and getting things moving can be a challenge and can cause uncertainty among people. However, we at CLHS look at it through a much different lens! You see, the initial push for us is one of faith, it is one of trust and hope in God's promises that allows us to move the ball along and keep things running smoothly. We serve a God who loves us so much that he sent his Son to live perfectly and die for us...what an awesome gift!

In leading a school of our size, with so many working parts, it is such a comfort to know that God is the push behind getting and keeping the ball rolling. He is the force behind what we do and who we are. Even if we don't feel the strength to keep pushing, or know exactly the direction that ball is supposed to go, we have God's timeless promise that he will be there to help.

God's blessings to you as the ball rolls along in your life...and remember he is there to offer strength and guidance, and will always do so!

GO CADETS!

Mychal Thom

Principal

CLHS School Nurse

On Friday, October 26, Concordia Lutheran High School will celebrate its annual Service Day. Traditional classes will not be in session. Instead, small groups of CLHS students will travel to work sites throughout the region, where they will volunteer their time and energy to paint, clean, serve meals, sort donations, and perform any other duties needed by the site.

Congratulations to Principal Thom who was inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame at his high school, St. Mary Catholic Central, in Monroe, Michigan on September 23.

Chorfest will be held on Wednesday, November 7 at 7 p.m. in the auditorium. Enjoy the music of the Chamber Singers, Glee Club, Men's and Women's Choruses and many singers from area Lutheran elementary schools. A freewill offering will be taken.

Jeff Parrish is hosting the annual Germanfest Gift Gathering open house on Saturday, October 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. at his home. Each guest is asked to bring a gift valued at $25 or more. The gifts will be auctioned off at the fundraiser on December 1, with all proceeds benefiting Concordia students and scholarships. Enjoy traditional Oktoberfest fare prepared by The Acme. Music is being provided by the Todd Phillips Trio. Contact Stephanie Paradine at (260) 483-1102 or sparadine@clhscadets.com for details or to R.S.V.P.

Mark your calendars for Cadets in Cadence: 30 Years in the Making, Concordia Lutheran High School's 30th Annual Dinner and Fundraiser with an old Hollywood theme, to be held on Saturday, December 1. Co-chairs Carrie and Kurt Gutman and Brad and Angie Miller are happy to bring back a couple of traditions associated with this event in the past:

Preview Night--A preview party will be held the night before the main event, on November 30, from 6 to 9 p.m., in the gym. This will allow you to check out the fabulous decorations and auction items while enjoying food and beverages for only $10. There will be items to bid on and purchase.

Event Night--As the evening winds down on December 1, we will be offering breakfast to all those in attendance. This will take place at approximately 11 p.m.

We are gathering gifts for our silent and live auction. If you are interested in donating a gift, please contact Amy Light at (260) 497-9112. For more information about the event, visit www.clhscadets.com, then click on the Fundraiser link at the bottom of the page. To RSVP online, visit www.CadetsInCadence.com.

A limited number of tickets are available for a drawing to be held on December 1 to support Cadets in Cadence, the annual dinner and fundraiser. Prizes include a $5,000 scholarship or cash equivalent, a $2,500 scholarship or cash equivalent, and an iPad with case and keyboard (or the cash equivalent of $700). Tickets are available now at the main office for $100 each or $200 for three. Contact Stephanie Paradine at sparadine@clhscadets.com for details.

For an enjoyable weekend trip this fall, travel the short distance to Tonne Winery. The winery includes a 1,500-square-foot tasting room and a 3,500-square-foot cellar. The tasting room includes a unique tasting bar and a large display by local artists. Currently, 15 wines are being offered. Visit www.tonnewinery.com or call (765) 896-9821 to learn more.