Introducing
Winter 2010 • Volume 72 • Number 1
A MAGAZINE FOR FRIENDS AND ALUMNI OF HILLCREST ACADEMY
CONNECTION
SO
MUCH
MORE
THAN A DIPLOMALIVE. LEARN. GO.
I’ve been sharing some exciting
news in recent weeks with alumni
and friends of HLA. Here’s pretty
much how the conversation goes:
(Me) “Hillcrest is working on a
5 million dollar campaign that I
thought you’d like to hear about.”
(Friend) “Whoa…that’s pretty ambitious. Doesn’t sound
like a good time with the economy and all.”
(Me) “I know. It’s the largest campaign Hillcrest has ever
had. And it does come in a challenging time economically.
But here’s the funny thing. We’ve already raised 67% of
the goal. Over $3.3 million has been committed to the
“Fresh Breeze” Campaign since it was planned a couple
of years ago.”
(Friend) “What? You’re kidding. Seriously? That’s
unbelievable. That’s amazing!”
(Me) “It is! God’s already blessed this effort with a
number of lead gifts, and now only 33% of the goal is
left. We’ve just launched what’s called the Public Phase
so that everyone can now hear about it and be part of
meeting the goal.”
This issue of the Hillcrest Connection introduces to
the entire Hillcrest family an exciting adventure for
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy! Knowing that God’s hand
of blessing has been on the mission of HLA since it
began over 90 years ago, the time is right to advance
and build on this great history. We are ready to move
the school forward boldly to impact future generations
for Christ.
I hope that you will be inspired by the success thus far
and interested to know more about the Fresh Breeze
Campaign in the pages that follow.
Trusting the Lord, and looking forward,
Steven J. Brue, HLA President
Dear Alumni and Friends,
GREETING2
CONTENTS
4
10
12
HillcrestCONNECTION
FeatureIntroducing Fresh Breeze
Campaign Banquets
FinanceFresh Breeze Gift Table
HLA Heritage Society
Club Members
Campus News Homecoming 2010
Spiritual Formations Week
Science & Athletic News
New Faces at HLA
19 Alumni News 2010 Memorial Gifts
Alumni Updates
HILLCREST ACADEMY BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
DWIGHT SCHMIDT | Chair
Jamestown, ND
DAVE EGGE | Vice Chair
Alexandria, MN
ROD SCHEEL | Secretary
Fergus Falls, MN
RICH IVERSONBarnesville, MN
ANNIE JACOBSENSuccasunna, NJ
KATHY JOHNSONFergus Falls, MN
J. BURDEAN ROGNESSEden Prairie, MN
LISA SCHULTZ-FREDFergus Falls, MN
OLAV SANDNESMt. Bethel, PA
HILLCREST ACADEMY PARENT ADVISORY TEAM
LISA SCHULTZ-FRED | Board Rep
CARLA BJORNLIELORI HESTENESANDY LACEYLESLIE JENNEN
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of Hillcrest
Lutheran Academy is to equip
students in a Christ-centered,
Bible-based environment for a
life of signifi cance.
Winter 2010Hillcrest Connection is published
quarterly by Hillcrest Academy.
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy
610 Hillcrest Drive
Fergus Falls, MN 56537
STEVE BRUE | President
Editor-in-Chief
RYAN ERICKSONManaging Editor/Graphic Design
LINDA PATCH
Alumni Relations
HLA TODAY STAFFContributing Writers
DAVID LISTOR
Feature Photography
“God’s hand of blessing has been on the mission of
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy since it began over 90
years ago. The time is right to advance and build on
this great history. We are ready to move forward
boldly to impact future generations for Christ.”Steven J. Brue, HLA President
A fresh breeze blows on the campus of
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy...
It’s a breeze that carries with it the optimism
of a strong future. It carries the clear message
that teenagers thrive in body, mind, and
spirit within the context of a caring Christian
community. It’s a breeze that carries the
message of countless young voices sharing the
same testimony, “I changed!”
It was this same breeze that gave life to an
idea at the turn of the 20th Century, over 100
years ago in Wahpeton, North Dakota, that a
Lutheran Bible School be founded. The Bible
school was led to incorporate a high school
curriculum 15 years later, in its new location in
Grand Forks, North Dakota. Then, seventeen
years later in 1935 the school moved to its
current location in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.
The stately red-brick building (formerly Park
Region Luther College) that has been home to
tens of hundreds of students, continues as a
familiar symbol of a caring Christian community
that takes a high-quality, college-preparatory
education seriously.
There is no doubt that alumni and students point
to their Hillcrest years as defi ning moments in
their spiritual and personal growth. They too
felt the fresh breeze. Maybe it was on choir
tour, or while attending a Mission Conference,
or through memorable chapel presentations
and peer group Bible studies. In recent years,
alumni point to a short term mission trip to
Mexico as a defi ning spiritual experience.
Our vision for Hillcrest Academy has remained
unchanged: to provide a quality academic
environment in a spiritual setting. This is a
place where matters of intellect and faith are
explored each day and where the Word of God
enables life-changing discoveries. It is also a
place where students live their faith, not only on
the campus, but as they go into communities
and different cultures to experience and to
share the life-changing message of Jesus
Christ with a needy world. The school’s mission
to equip students for a life of signifi cance is
authenticated by testimonies of those who
have felt the impact of Hillcrest alumni around
the world. What a joy it would be to hear the
stories of the untold number of individuals who
have come to Christ because of the lives and
witness of Hillcrest alumni.
4 FEATURE
5FEATURE
Our calling is to continue this focus. Our challenge
is to gather and distribute our gifts wisely,
providing our students and staff with all that they
need to equip themselves for productive lives of
Christian service in a world that so desperately
needs each of them. We like the feel of the fresh
breeze. It energizes. It invigorates. It stirs vision.
And the vision that is being shaped is a vision for
students to thrive in a school which witnesses to
the presence of Christ in its midst. Foremost in
our desire is to eliminate those discouraging areas
that would make that fresh breeze feel stale.
This breeze is affecting how we view our
campus, showing areas of need that will make
Hillcrest a stronger and more vital institution.
The scope of the campaign is fi ve million dollars.
It includes retiring the remaining one million dollar
debt on the Student Activities Center. It includes
the renovation of the Classroom Section in the
Hillcrest building, and installing a new heating and
air conditioning system in that area, as well as in
the entire Hillcrest building. It includes adding
endowments for ongoing student scholarships,
academic programs, and facility costs.
It includes funding for professional development
of staff, salary increases, and curriculum
development. And it includes the Annual Fund,
the gifts each year that subsidize the operations
of the school to help keep tuition costs affordable.
It is very clear to the leadership and staff of Hillcrest
Academy that the fresh breeze we’ve experienced is
none other than the gracious presence and movement
of God’s Spirit. We humbly and gratefully acknowledge
the source. And we want God’s Spirit to continue
to bless the mission of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.
6 FEATURE
The scope of the campaign is $5 million.
Capital Projects $2,900,000
Phase 1 HVAC update @ $975,000
Academic Center Renovation @ $475,000
Phase 2 HVAC update @ $350,000
Eliminate Debt on the Student Activities Center @ $1,100,000
Endowment $300,000 +
Student Scholarships
Academic Programs
Facility Costs
Academic $200,000
Professional Development
Salary Increases
Curriculum Development
Annual Fund $1,600,000
Five Year Annual Fund Reserve @ $320,000/year
67% Received in
Cash and Pledges
$3.3 Million
$1.7 Million
33% Remains
The fresh breeze has already begun to blow
across the Hillcrest campus.
You can be part of a chain of signifi cant
blessings that will keep the momentum going
until the $5 million goal is met. Your gift at
this time demonstrates your partnership and
investment in advancing the mission of Hillcrest
Lutheran Academy, allowing more students to
be part of the Hillcrest experience. You can be
part of something that is much bigger and more
powerful than we could possibly imagine.
What part will you play in this campaign? Can
you provide a one time gift, join one of the HLA
Giving Clubs to support the Annual Fund, or make
a fi ve-year pledge as you invest in the ministry
of Hillcrest? Prayerfully consider your role. God’s
hand of blessing is on this exciting adventure!
A response envelope is included in this
publication for your gift to the Fresh Breeze
campaign. Please use it as an end-of-year
donation to HLA, or to indicate
your ongoing participation
in this exciting campaign.
God bless you!
7FEATURE
Introducing Fergus Falls to
8 FEATURE
A “Fresh Breeze” banquet to kick off the public phase
of Hillcrest’s capital campaign was held in the HLA
Student Activities Center on Saturday evening of
Homecoming weekend. About 125 guests enjoyed an
Italian buffet of pastas and sauces, with Caesar salad
and breadsticks, prepared by Chef Heath Stocks and
the A'viand’s Food Service staff. Hillcrest students
served as waiters and waitresses.
Nearly all HLA Board members and Campaign Cabinet
members attended the banquet to celebrate a successful
quiet phase of reaching over 60% of the campaign goal,
and to begin informing the general public of the Hillcrest
needs that will be met as a result of this new campaign.
President Brue introduced the Campaign Co-chairs, Olav
and Gina Sandnes, as well as the other members of the
Campaign Cabinet.
Following a video presentation of last year’s mission trip
highlights in the Dominican Republic, Mr. Gregg Preston,
HLA History and Bible Instructor shared how these
annual student mission experiences tie in so well with
the mission statement of the school, equipping students
for a life of signifi cance.
Guests received Fresh Breeze brochures and pledging
opportunities as President Steve Brue explained the
campaign process, identifi ed the 5 major initiatives of
the campaign, and gave a progress report to date on the
campaign’s success. A full screen audio/visual backdrop
managed by Ryan Erickson, HLA Graphics Director and IT
Director Jason Walkup greatly enhanced the presentation.
Response to the Fresh Breeze appeal was very positive.
Over $63,000 was added in cash and pledges
to the campaign effort.
Special thanks to Linda
Patch, banquet coordinator
and banquet committee
members Kathy Johnson,
Linda Brue, Gina Sandnes,
Grace Kvamme, Missi Isaac,
Debbie Crabtree and Sheri
Hohncke. Praise God for
adding His blessing to this
kick-off event!
The Fresh Breeze
campaign was featured
prominently on the front
page of the Sunday,
September 19 issue of the
Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
A Fresh Breeze celebration event took place on a
warm and sunny Sunday afternoon, October 10th at
the farmhouse of Olav and Gina Sandnes of Mt. Bethel,
PA. Over 30 guests enjoyed a delicious barbeque
on the patio, following a Fresh Breeze campaign
presentation by Hillcrest President Steve Brue in
the Sandnes’ beautifully remodeled barn. Guests
received brochures and pledging opportunities, with
a generous response of over $36,000 from those
invited to participate.
Special thanks to Olav and Gina Sandnes, Co-chairs
of the Fresh Breeze campaign for their generosity in
hosting this very enjoyable event.
Fresh Breeze Introduced
at Pennsylvania Event
9FEATURE
LegacyHLAHLHLHLHLH AAAAAAAHLHLHLLLHLHLLLAAAAAAAAHHHLLLAA
clublllllllllububububububububbbbcccccccccccccc bbbbbbbbb
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HeritageHLAHLHLHLHLH AAAAAAAHLHLHLLLHLHLLLAAAAAAAAHHHLLLAAA
societyooooooooocicicicicicicicic etetetetetetetete yyyyyyyyysosososossososososssss yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy
HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
Stanley Arlton Estate
Kenneth & Mavis Austin
John & Cheryl Backstrom
Steve Benjamin
Irv & Kay Bergsagel
Steve & Linda Brue
Keven & Debbie Crabtree
Evelyn Ebner Estate
Edward D. Jones & Co.
David & Val Egge
Joel & Barbara Egge
Marian Egge Estate
Lori Fedje
First State Bank of Alex-Carlos
Mabel L. Foss Estate
Agnes Freeland Charitable Trust
Adleide Gunhus
G. T. & Ann Gunhus
Elling & Barbara Halvorson
Richard & Linda Heggland
Roy & Barbara Heggland
Hillside Lutheran Brethren Missions
Interstate Inc.
Gladys Jensen
Minnie Nelson
Nordic Contracting Co, Inc.
Olsoe Charitable Remainder Trust
Clara Olsoe
John & Donna Olson
Wesley & Ruth Orrestad
Otter Tail Power Company
Ron Powell
Donald & Marie Roberts
Charitable Foundation
J. Burdean & Kay Rogness
LaWayne & Bev Rogness
Olav & Gina Sandnes
Security State Bank
Dwight & Gwen Schmidt
Ewald & Alice Sems
Norma Senum
Eleanor Sollie
Thrivent Financial for Lutherans
Victory Lutheran Brethren Church
Viking Construction Corporation
The Fresh Breeze campaign provides an opportunity for
friends of Hillcrest to name the school as a benefi ciary
in their estate plans. This is one of the ways that donors
may participate in the campaign, through a deferred gift.
While estate amounts that are designated for Hillcrest
are not included in the campaign goal, a record of these
future gifts helps to ensure future support for the school.
It also gives Hillcrest the opportunity to thank families
who choose to name Hillcrest in their estate planning.
Already, the Fresh Breeze campaign has on record over
$1 million that will be gifted through estate plans. Families
who have identifi ed these plans to the school are listed in
the HLA Heritage Society. The next issue of the Hillcrest
Connection will publicly acknowledge those who have
named Hillcrest as a benefi ciary in their estate plans.
We would love to include any who have named Hillcrest
in their estate plans. Please contact President Steve
Brue at 218-739-3371 to discuss this further.
The HLA Legacy Club acknowledges individuals
and groups whose accumulative giving reaches
$25,000 or above.
The HLA Heritage Society acknowledges those who have named Hillcrest in an
estate gift.
Five Million - An Attainable GoalThe magnitude of a campaign goal can seem overwhelming at the outset. Campaigns seek to secure a
number of lead gifts during the quiet phase. A model gift table was presented to HLA by the consultant
to guide the campaign process. Below shows categories of gifts/pledges received in the Fresh Breeze
campaign as of November 2010, and a template of remaining gifts/pledges to demonstrate the attainability
of the campaign goal.
*Remaining 33% to complete campaign goal.
Gift Received Needed Cumulative Total$1,000,000 1
$500,000 1 1 $500,000
$250,000 1 1 $750,000
$100,000 1 3 $1,050,000
$75,000 1 2 $1,200,000
$50,000 3 5 $1,450,000
$25,000 9 6 $1,600,000
$10,000 18 6 $1,660,000*Under $10,000 Many Many
FINANCE10
Anonymous (3)Geroge & Alice Aase Fergus Falls, MNPeter & Katie Aasness Fergus Falls, MNKathi Abel Fergus Falls, MNGuy & Beth Adams Lexington, KYErik & Janet Ambjor Succasunna, NJHans & Kari Andersen East Wenatchee, WARoy & Marie Barsness Kirkland, WAJoseph & Susan Battillo Mount Bethel, PAIrv & Kay Bergsagel Minnetonka, MNTim & Mary Bigelow Erhard, MNEthan & Carla Bjornlie Fergus Falls, MNOlive Blikstad Fergus Falls, MNJoyce Boehland Arvada, CORoger & Kay Borowski Campbell, MNDoug & Nancy Bounds Jamestown, NDHarold & Cathy Brokke Minneapolis, MNNick & Dahlia Brue St. Paul, MNCharlie & Carrie Brue Fergus Falls, MNBenjamin Brue Vadnais Heights, MNMatthew & Faith Brue St. Louis Park, MNLindsey Brue Fergus Falls, MNSteve & Linda Brue Fergus Falls, MNTom & Kari Brue Bloomington, MNTitus Brue Vadnais Heights, MNThor & Edna Bugge Willow Street, PALorraine Burt Chicago, ILJohn & Larissa Campbell Edmonton, OKDavid & Dagney Christenson Lynnwood, WAScott & Val Christenson Fergus Falls, MNJoel & Liz Christenson Fergus Falls, MNLane & Lori Christopherson Everett, WAKeven & Debbie Crabtree Fergus Falls, MNDan & Lita Crowley Marysville, WADave & Vicki Crowser Fergus Falls, MNSharon Daines Bozeman, MTLeif & Sonja Dalen Mt. Bethel, PAThelma P. Dalene East Hartland, CTSteve & Kathy Doering Fergus Falls, MNDavid & Val Egge Alexandria, MNJoel & Barbara Egge Fergus Falls, MNChuck & Penny Eidem Altadena, CASpencer Endrud Buxton, NDJohn Endrud Loves Park, ILRich & Jeanene Engebretson Edina, MNGerald & Sheri Erickson Mukilteo, WAElroy & Judy Erickson Vancouver, WARyan & Kristin Erickson Fergus Falls, MNMicah Erickson Banning, CAGary & Cynthia Erickson Dalton, MNEric Ewan Fergus Falls, MNCarol Featherstone New Hope, MNLori Fedje Beaverton, ORLawn Pro of Fergus Falls Fergus Falls, MNAllan Fischer Hillsboro Beach, FLMark & Joan Folden San Jose, CAGay & Carol Folden Fergus Falls, MNDavid & Ruthann Forland Huntington, NYE. Thor & Lillian Foss Southold, NYMark & Joanne Foss Glastonbury, CTAllen & Goldie Foss Everett, WAMasson Family Foundation Laguna Beach, CAKevin & Lisa Fred Fergus Falls, MNSharon Fuhrman Joice, IAWayne & Ruth Goats Scottsdale, AZGT & Ann Gunhus Underwood, MN
Richard & Diane Gunhus Blue Earth, MNAdleide Gunhus Blue Earth, MNVictoria Hackett San Francisco, CARoy & Heather Haegeland Lake Stevens, WAElling & Barbara Halvorson Woodinville, WAEvelyn Hansen Snohomish, WATore & Vivian Hansen Mount Bethel, PALuke & Angela Hansen Edina, MNGreg & Rita Hayek Fergus Falls, MNKim Hazel Eden Prairie, MNJoy Headrick Denver, CODavid & Beverly Heggen Rothsay, MNRich & Linda Heggland New Port Richey, FLAmanda Heggland Farmington, CTPaul & Sheri Hohncke Fergus Falls, MNDiane Ihrke Fergus Falls, MNGary & Renee Isaac Denver, COJeff & Missi Isaac Fergus Falls, MNRich & Karen Iverson Barnesville, MNMartha Jacobs Seatonville, ILHerb & Helen Jacobsen Mt. Bethel, PAElizabeth Jacobsen Minnetonka, MNJohn & Annie Jacobsen Succasunna, NJKen & Ann Jensen Huntington, NYGladys Jensen Staten Island, NYEdgar & Myrtle Jensen Mt. Bethel, PATim & Karen Johnson Little Falls, MNFred & Elsie Johnson Boone, IADennis & Kathleen Johnson Fergus Falls, MNBrent & Ruth Juliot Fergus Falls, MNElmer & Julia Kaardal Saint Paul, MNCurtis & Elaine Kavlie Richville, MNVaughn & Deb Kavlie Eden Prairie, MNJohn & Janet Kilde Fergus Falls, MNKermit & Grace Kvamme Fergus Falls, MNKevin Kvamme Williston, NDScott & Becky Kvamme Fergus Falls, MNPhilip & Marilyn Labrosse Saint Paul, MNAndy & Brenda Lacey Wendell, MNJack & Sharon Lacey Wendell, MNPaul & Jane Langseth Fergus Falls, MNMorris & Myrt Larsen Fergus Falls, MNJosiah Larson Minneapolis, MNVictory LB Church Jamestown, NDHillside LB Missions Succasunna, NJMatthew & Sue Leach Omaha, NEFrank & Elaine Legerat Fairbanks, AKBrian & Jennifer Leivestad Loveland, COCarol & Michael Lewin Keizer, ORPatricia Linson Fargo, NDLloyd & Thelma Listor Brooklyn, NYSteve & Heidi Listor Mt. Bethel, PAHarry Ludvigsen Kerhonkson, NYJoel & Alice Lunde Fergus Falls, MNDennis & Dorothy Madsen Fergus Falls, MNJeffrey & Eileen Mahn Albuquerque, NMBrad & Trena Martinson Fergus Falls, MNLuther & Adeline Mathison Maddock, NDJohn & Lisa McAteer Mt. Bethel, PABruce & Irene Miller Jr. Mt. Bethel, PATom & Gladys Moline Erhard, MNTom & Bobbi Monacelli Mt. Arlington, NJAlice Monsen Richfi eld, MNWallace & Audrey Ness Fergus Falls, MNWilliam & Marcia Nilsen East Hartland, CTPeter & Lillian Nilsen Brewster, NY
Clara Olsoe Seattle, WAManley & Janet Olsoe Fergus Falls, MNJohn & Donna Olson Fergus Falls, MNWesley & Ruth Orrestad Bellevue, WAGraham & Priscilla Parker Richland, WAKevin & Linda Patch Fergus Falls, MNRollin & Beverly Pederson Billings, MTKenneth & Norma Peeders Richville, MNFrank & Karen Pellegrino Mt. Bethel, PAIrv & Helen Peterson Menomonie, WIEd & Elaine Peterson Wahpeton, NDWayne & Diane Preston Chippewa Falls, WIGregg & Marie Preston Fergus Falls, MNLowell & Paula Quam Fergus Falls, MNLeRoy & MaryAnn Quernemoen Fergus Falls, MNNick & Leann Roberts Houlton, WIDonald & Marie Roberts Trust White Bear Lake, MNLes & LeAnn Rogness Fergus Falls, MNDarren Rogness Moorhead, MNLoran & Lois Rogness Fergus Falls, MNBurdean & Kay Rogness Eden Prairie, MNLaWayne & Bev Rogness Fergus Falls, MNKevin & Brooke Rogness Fergus Falls, MNGlenn & Vonnie Rogness Underwood, MNEugene & Rhoda Rubey Eugene, ORRon & Barbara Samuelsen East Hartland, CTDee Sanberg Fergus Falls, MNJack & Rochelle Sand Moorhead, MNWill Sandnes Mt. Bethel, PAOlav & Gina Sandnes Mt. Bethel, PALavona Sather Los Angeles, CALynn & Matthew Scarfo Island City, ORRod & Jo Scheel Fergus Falls, MNErnie & Cathie Scheid Fargo, NDNick & Danielle Schmidt Jamestown, NDDwight & Gwen Schmidt Jamestown, NDEwald & Alice Sems Lehigh Acres, FLPaul Senum Brooklyn, NYNorma Senum Mt. Bethel, PAArlen & Julianne Severson Esko, MNJane Shulstad Pelican Rapids , MNLeland Sjule Springfi eld, MOEd & Shirley Smith Laquey, MOJohn & Tess Soholt Golden Valley, MNAlf & June Soholt Minneapolis, MNEleanor Sollie Brooklyn, NYPauline Stalsberg Viroqua, WISecurity State Bank Fergus Falls, MNArna Stedjan Fergus Falls, MNWayne & Nancy Stender Fergus Falls, MNDoug & Carol Stender Fergus Falls, MNDan & Eleanore Stenoien Minneapolis, MNDean & Doreen Stoutland Northridge , CARobert & Lorrette Strack Rochester, MNShawn & Amy Stroud Moorhead, MNCarol & Aaron Stucker Paradise Valley, AZWai Nam Tam Flanders, NJGuy & Amy Taylor Fergus Falls, MNJustin & Phyllis Thompson Antler, NDGary & Dorinne Thompson Fergus Falls, MNBorgny & Stan Thompson East Hartland, CTNancy Thompson Boca Raton, FLRosemary Traina Wharton, NJRandy & Diane Trettevik Mill Creek, WAGrande Lake Trust Lake Park, MNMark & Cathy Tungseth Fergus Falls, MNRoger & Amy Twedt Fergus Falls, MNLois Tweten Helena, MTBruce & Lori Tysver Fergus Falls, MNMarvin & Opal Undseth Salem, ORSteve & Lois Undseth Fergus Falls, MNMarty & Mim Valder Everett, WARuth Vall Aitkin, MNJames & Lucinda VerSteeg Richfi eld, MNDavid & Lynn Vettrus Watertown, MNShawn Veum Fergus Falls, MNJason Walkup Fergus Falls, MNLes Watson Fergus Falls, MNArthur & Marion Wickstrom Fergus Falls, MNRosalie Williamsen Medical Lake, WAJim & Cheryl Wold Fergus Falls, MNRichard & Oddny Wolderich Bangor, PABette Woodburn Rolling Hills, CA
Club|120
Club Membership
Club|500 Club|1000
Club|2500 Club|5000 Club|10000
75 Club Members 83 Club Members37 Club Members
12 Club Members 7 Club Members 3 Club Members
A wonderful way to participate in Fresh Breeze is by joining a Hillcrest giving
club. Club members support the school's annual fund, a vital initiative of the
$5 million Fresh Breeze campaign.
FINANCE 11
SNAPSHOTSOF SPIRITHOMECOMING 2010
Fun Colors, Wacky Wigs, and Crazy StylesHillcrest shows spirit during Homecoming week. By Annalise Boyum
If a visitor were to have walked through the halls of
Hillcrest during homecoming week, they would have
thought Hillcrest students were a bit, shall we say--
Strange? Different? A bit odd? Whatever the word
might be, the bizarre outfi t choices would defi nitely
require an explanation.
Junior Heidi Christofferson thought it was fun to walk
down the halls and hear people yell “Hannah Montana!”
as she passed by in her shiny shirt and long blonde wig.
Each day of the week the students and faculty had
a different theme to follow. Monday was the day to
choose between hick and nerd, and those that couldn’t
choose one or the other became both! Tuesday was the
day to choose a future career, like trucker, mom,
or doctor. Wacky Wednesday was the day for
wackiness—hence the title! Thursday was decades
day. Each grade was to dress up in the styles
associated with different decades. The Seniors
had the 80s, the Juniors-70s, Sophomores-60s,
Freshmen-50s and the Junior High and Faculty
had the future. As always, Friday was the day to
dress in all the red and white you had for School
Spirit Day!
(Top to Bottom) Taylor Isaac shows his best
"nerd" impression; Zach Nersten and Matthew
Fox dress for success on 'future career day';
Lisa Bjorvatn sports a wacky hot dog outfi t.
Levi Ell gets painted up for Spirit Day.
(L-R) Andrea Christenson, Taylor Brue,
Anna Saufferer and Heather Furuseth
prepare for a workout -- 80's style.
CAMPUS NEWS12
(L-R) Chloe Ell, Cat Jacoby,Carley
Fabian and Talia Pearson watch from
the sidelines during the Powder Puff
tournament.
Let’s Make Some MusicHomecoming ends on a musical note. By Annalise Boyum
Closing out each homecoming week is the all-school
concert. With feelings of butterfl ies fl uttering in their
stomachs, many Hillcrest students got dressed up in
their concert best, ready for the show to begin at eight
o’clock on Saturday evening.
The night began strong with the concert band leading the
way. After conducting the concert band, Band Director
Mr. Doering led the Jazz Band in their performance,
including a piece that featured several unique solos. To
show off what the band had been learning about jazz
improvisation, each soloist made up their solo on the fl y
with the rest of the band following along. Mr. Doering
said, “Everyone did a great job! The homecoming
concert is always more challenging because
it comes very early in the school year. Many
students have only been playing together for a few
weeks. The concert band and jazz ensemble both
performed their pieces with precision and style,
and it will be fun to start preparing for upcoming
concert events…”
Once the band fi nished their performance,
Vocalize took the stage. Vocalize is a small, select
ensemble that specializes in vocal jazz. Following
their pieces, Mr. Strom led the concert choir in the
night’s fi nal performance. Mr. Strom thought the
concert went well. He anticipated that everyone
would be excited to perform and that’s always
fun for him to see. He added, “It’s always great to
do the fi rst performance…then you always know
what to try differently in future concerts.”
Painted FacesHillcrest girls exchange their makeup for war paint to play
in the Powder Puff tournament. By Chris Christenson
Hollywood has taught us that girls only play football in movies. Here
at Hillcrest, however, that’s proven not to be the case.
Following tradition, the girls had their annual Homecoming Powder
Puff competition on Friday, October 1. The tournament was held after
the Pep Fest, and heightened the anticipation for the Homecoming
football game to be held later that night.
Teams were formed by grade, and class rivalry made for some tough
playing. In the end though, the seniors came out on top with a well-
deserved win. “Our practice paid off,” said senior Heather Frustol,
“[it was] a good victory.”
CAMPUS NEWS 13
To start the year on a spiritual note, Campus
Ministries invited Axis to come speak to the
students during the fi rst three days of school.
“The Axis group was a great way to start off the
year,” said Student Life Director Wayne Stender.
Axis is a group of college grads who have created
a ministry for teens based on the theory that
“ideas have consequences.” Their goal: to prepare
students to “grapple with some of the most
infl uential ideas [on the] planet.”
The program they have created is split into
six sections (two a day), and is designed to
accommodate the short attention-spans of the
Facebook generation. The worldviews of post-
modernism, Islam, and Christianity were presented
in two minute bites, with speakers from the team
constantly handing off to one another. Plenty of
props and pop-culture references were used to
drive the points home.
Outside of the sessions, Axis members hung
out with students, discussing deep theological
questions or just getting to know them. Many
enjoyed their easy-going, approachable manner.
Stender said that Axis does the best job of meeting
students out of any group he’s seen.
From Apathy to ActionAxis sets the spiritual tone for the year.
By Chris Christenson
David Eaton of AXIS (www.axiswworldview.com) speaks
to students in the Chapel.
CAMPUS NEWS14
Mission Minneapolis, a group of
teens that help a sister church in
Minneapolis, went on their fi rst
trip to the cities over the weekend
of October 16-17. Early Saturday
morning eight students and Wayne
Stender, who organized the event,
left Fergus Falls and arrived in
Minneapolis at the Ebenezer
Lutheran Church at 9am.
After arriving, the team met up with
the Ebenezer youth group and were
told the events for the day. They
set off around ten o’clock to fi ll the
doors of the nearby neighborhoods
with hundreds of fl yers telling about
Ebenezer’s upcoming Trunk or
Treat, which the Hillcrest students
returned to help with on Halloween.
Amanda Lundeen said, “I think it
was cool how we handed out fl yers
to so many people for the Ebenezer
outreach.” After handing out around
2,500 fl yers, it was time to fi ll their
stomachs with a noontime meal
prepared by some women from the
Ebenezer Church.
Following lunch, Matt Oxendale,
Ebenezer’s youth pastor, showed
the team their next project: Making
“My Fun Fall” coloring booklets for
the little children that will attend
Trunk or Treat. Next they took a
stroll through the park picking up
leaves to press for another one of
Ebenezer’s Trunk or Treat projects.
After walking the sidewalks of
homes and parks, the Ebenezer
youth group invited the Hillcrest
team to join them for a fun event at
an apple orchard.
To end the day, Pastor Todd
Mathison, of Ebenezer Church, and
his wife Anne joined the Hillcrest
team for a fl avorful dinner at Hamdi,
a Somalian restaurant.
Sunday, the team attended services
at Ebenezer and afterwards gave
their farewells until seeing them
again in two weeks. The team
returned to Fergus Falls later in the
night after visiting a market and the
Mall of America.
Hannah Brandon and Sadie Ouse
both though it was fun to go and
experience so many different
cultures and be able to share Christ
with them.
"It's so simple". A quote from one of our Mission Minneapolis students on Sunday following a Gospel presentation as part of our debriefi ng session. This simple quote chalked up a successful mission project where our students were able to understand the Gospel in a real way. Our students had the opportunity to be "pipe-line builders" for the Gospel as they worked with this weekend's Mission Minneapolis.
Mission Minneapolis is a monthly trip offered to Hillcrest students. This trip is part of a joint effort with Ebenezer Lutheran Church in Minneapolis, MN. Students get
to join with the congregation in outreach to the community surrounding Ebenezer. The outreach consists of working at the ground-level of church ministry, helping with simple tasks like passing out fl iers and befriending people in the community. Students also get to join the church as they worship on Sunday mornings, participating in the service by leading the worship time and engaging in conversation during the adult Bible-study and fellowship times.
This past weekend students had the opportunity to work behind the scenes of a large outreach for the
church. Students passed out fl iers and met with people on the street to communicate the safe-and-free trunk-or-treat opportunity.
One of the students commented to me, "It's so simple" after we had gone over the Gospel as part of our debriefi ng session. This comment has been ringing in my ears as I've been processing what it means for me to communicate this simple message to those God has brought me in contact with.
See the video that sparked the "It's so simple" reaction at www.ffhillcrest.org/simple
Shining and Sharing Jesus in MinneapolisBy Annalise Boyum
It's So SimpleBy Wayne Stender, Excerpted from the Campus Ministries blog at www.ffhillcrest.org
CAMPUS NEWS 15
Rise of the MachineBy Chris Christenson
Brandon Doering, Aeron Jahr, Cody
Joy and Luke Joy work on their robot.
(Left) Hillcrest Pre-Engineering class
poses outside of the competiton hall.
(Right, Top to Bottom) Joakim Tafjord
launches his award-winning catapult;
Students review their work in preparation
for launch; Joakim Tafjord and Amalie
Breck hold their fi rst-place plaque.
Fifty-four participants, 37 opposing
teams of two, one catapult to rule
them all! Mr. Jahr’s pre-engineering
class went to Saint Cloud Cathedral
High School on Friday, Oct 29 for
a toothpick catapult competition.
The class, consisting of 20 students,
had four weeks to create a catapult
out of toothpicks, glue and dental
fl oss capable of launching a small
steel ball. “I had a lot of fun making
the catapult! Grant Stroud and I got
done pretty quickly, and we took
third in the competition”, said junior
Morten Reksten.
How do tooth pick catapults fi t
into engineering? “The toothpick
catapult teaches the design obstacle,
gives you an objective, and teaches
you how to interpret the alternate
design possibilities that all engineers
are faced with,” said Mr. Jahr. He
went on to say that he really enjoys
his fi rst pre-engineering class and he
has a lot of fun with them.
Hillcrest took home fi rst, second and
third place plaques: First Joakim
Tafjord, Amalie Breck; Second Ju
Chan Kim, Jaeheum Hwang; Third
Morten Reksten, Grant Stroud.
Fire the Catapults!Hillcrest pre-engineering students bring home top honors in regional competition.
By Frankie Sandnes
Early in the morning on Saturday,
October 30, the members of science
teacher Mr. Jahr’s Robotics team
gathered and loaded six weeks of
work into their car. The robot that
they had been working on for the
past month-and-a-half was fi nally
about to take the spotlight, in a
competition in Fargo.
“We’d actually been there the night
before to check the robot in and
to go through some compliance
checks,” said Mr. Jahr. It had turned
out that there were some things
they needed to fi x, “We had to
shorten the arms because our robot
was too big. We [also] had to put
our name on it, ‘Hillcrest.’”
The competition started at 9:00 AM,
once all 24 teams had assembled.
“Each round was about three
minutes,” said Jahr. “They had to
carry out certain objectives. For
instance, they had to collect various
soccer cones, tip them upside-down
and insert them into holes.”
The fi rst few rounds didn’t go so
well for the Hillcrest team, and they
found they were quickly dropping in
the rankings. However, after lunch
the group changed their strategy
and rose steadily to thirteenth
place, where they fi nished the day.
With the experience from this
competition under their belt, the
Robotics team looks forward to next
year when they plan to enter again.
“It was a very thrilling thing to be
a part of,” said Jahr, “[to see] that
the guys were able to come through
with it.”
CAMPUS NEWS16
Short. That was what the Bertha-Hewitt kick was Saturday night. The Comets football team fought off their fears that night with the win over the Bears. The trepidation of the team was palpable on the fi eld. They feared losing to the same team as last year by a fi eld goal. The anxiety of the fi nal seconds of the game came to an end when the ball hit the ground several yards short of the goal post.
“I was nervous as they started to drive down the fi eld,” said Coach Brue, “and I had forgotten all about their ability to kick a fi eld goal. When they lined up to kick, I thought, ‘Oh no, this is just like last year.’ But this was different; he was farther out. I didn’t think he could make the kick, and when it went up, I was sure it was good. My heart sank. But the kick was short, and it was just an awesome experience…”
It’s been four years since HLA football has made it to a section championship. The last time the Comets played in the Fargodome was in 2001, and the last section championship they went to was in 2006 at the Alerus Center in Grand Forks.
“Six months ago if you would have asked me if we were going to the section championship, I would have probably said no since we lost so many key players from last year. But the returning players have stepped up to the plate, and the new players have been playing very well,” Coach Brue said.
About the opportunity to play their long-time rival, Underwood in the
section championship, Coach Brue said, “They are a motivated team because of [our] earlier victory during the regular season. It’s a fantastic chance for our speedy team to play on the turf, but because it’s such a big stadium, we’re gonna need loud fans.”
Almost the entire school was present at the Fargodome on Friday, Nov. 5, along with many other Comet fans. Although the team fought hard, their season ended in the dome with a 27-14 loss to Underwood.
Season Finishes Strong With a Trip to Section ChampionshipBy Wil Twedt
Morten Reksten's kick to end the fi rst half turned out to be the winning score as
the Comets defeated the Bertha-Hewitt Bears 24-22.
CAMPUS NEWS 17
NEW FACESAT HLA
THE HILLCREST FAMILY
CONTINUES TO GROW. MEET
SEVERAL NEW STAFF MEMBERS
JOINING THE TEAM THIS YEAR.
BEN BAKER
RUTH JULIOT
MEGHAN BERGE
SETH KINRADE
BECKY BRANDON
LISA SEVETZ
KRISTIN ERICKSON
LAURA SKARET
Resident Assistant
Ben is an AFLBS graduate
from Bloomington, MN. He
is working as a resident
assistant in the HLA men's
dorm while pursuing his
Seminary education.
School Counselor
Formerly a familiar face
behind the main offi ce
desk, Ruth has returned to
Hillcrest as school counselor.
A '79 graduate, Ruth is also
the mother of 2 alumni and
one current student at HLA.
Resident Life Assistant
Meghan is a '99 graduate
of Hillcrest and lives in
Fergus Falls with her
husband, Daniel, and their
four children.
Resident Life Assistant
Seth is from DeWitt, IA.
He serves as an assistant
in the men's dorm at HLA
in addition to working
for Inspiration Point Bible
Camp.
Resident Assistant
Becky is the mother of 3
current students at HLA and
an '08 graduate. In addition
to her role as a resident
assistant, Becky works in
the Hillcrest Kitchen for
A'viands food service.
Resident Assistant
Lisa comes to Hillcrest
from East Hartland, CT.
While serving as a resident
assistant in the women's
dorm, Lisa is pursuing her
education for a career in
nursing.
Resident Director
Kristin is returning to
Hillcrest as women's dorm
resident director after
serving in an assistant
capacity during the 07-08
school year. She is an '02
alumna of HLA.
Resident Assistant
Laura is an '02 graduate of
HLA from East Hartland,
CT. She has worked for
several years as a dental
hygienist in Connecticut,
but felt called to return to
HLA to serve in the dorm.
CAMPUS NEWS18
Hillc
rest Invitational
Basketball Tournament HIT 2011HIT 201145 th Year
ALUMNI UPDATES
1940'sEdna Bugge sends these photos of her husband, Thor Bugge (H'43) and "school buddy" Dave Christenson (H'44, S'53). They are still friends after nearly 70
years. Dave came to visit Thor and Edna recently at
their home in Willow Street, PA.
1960’sLuther Frette (H'65) writes: After teaching high
school English for forty years in the Grand Forks
(ND) Public Schools, I retired in 2009. In October,
2010 I was honored to be inducted into the local
teacher hall of fame. I regard this distinction as a
defi nite blessing from the Lord following a rewarding
career. In retirement, I continue to be active in the
music ministry of Bethel Lutheran Brethren Church.
I certainly have great memories of my three years at
Hillcrest and our memorable Class of 1965!
2000’sLiz (Barton H'00) Lund writes: Todd Lund and
I were married on May
22nd, 2010 in West
Fargo, ND and live in his
hometown of Roseau, MN
(northern Minnesota, by
Lake of the Woods). If
you are ever in the area,
please look us up!
WE LOVE HEARING FROM YOU!Send your updates to [email protected] or
submit them online at www.ffhillcrest.org/update
2010 Memorial GiftsDuring the 2010 calendar year, Hillcrest Lutheran
Academy was honored to receive many gifts in
memory of alumni and friends.
Gifts were received in the name of:David Christenson of Fergus Falls, MN
Judy Egstad of Aitkin, MN
Grant Hammond of Minneapolis, MN
Herman Hanson of Fergus Falls, MN
Selma Langeland of Sparta, NJ
Ole Myhre of Mount Bethel, PA
Orville Norby of Princeton, NJ
Eline Paulson of Temple City, CA
Joseph Rangen of Fergus Falls, MN
Dean Seaver of LeSueur, MN
Ruth Spidahl of Fergus Falls, MN
James Stalsberg of Viroqua, WI
James Stay of Olympia, WA
Lief Sunwall of Fergus Falls, MN
Lenore Tonneson of Fergus Falls, MN
Ellsworth Torgerson of Fergus Falls, MN
Melvin Underdal of Helena, MT
Joseph Undseth of Fergus Falls, MN
Richard Walvatne of Rochester, MN
Julian Wold of Fergus Falls, MN
April 8-9, 2011If your church team is interested in participating
in HIT 2011, pleace contact Charlie Brue at
218.737.6424www.ffhillcrest.org/HIT
Alumni Brunch
May 28, 2011
10 am
ALUMNI NEWS 19
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Upcoming EventsDec. 17 - Jan. 2 Christmas Vacation
January 3 School Resumes
March 14 Band Concert 7pm @ Bethel
April 8-9 HIT Basketball Tournament
April 8-24 Concert Choir Tour
April 11-25 Easter Vacation
April 26 School Resumes
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Ways to participate in Fresh Breeze
I. GIVE TO THE ANNUAL FUND
Give in support of the annual fund over fi ve years or join a Hillcrest giving
club. Club membership benefi ts the annual fund and counts towards your
total campaign pledge.
II. GIVE TO THE CAPITAL CAMPAIGN
A gift in support of one or more of the campaign initiatives or a general gift.
III. INCLUDE HILLCREST IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN
A deferred gift in support of the future of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy.
All campaign gifts will be acknowledged appropriately through Hillcrest publications,
including naming in the HLA Legacy Club (accumulative giving that reaches $25,000 or
above) and the HLA Heritage Society (estate gifts).
Fresh Breeze Campaign Cabinet
Olav & Gina SandnesCampaign Co-Chairs
Elling & Barbara HalvorsonHonorary Co-Chairs
Dwight SchmidtHLA Board Chair
Lisa FredHLA Board Member
Burdean RognessHLA Board Member
Steve BrueHLA President
Nick RobertsAlumni ‘05
Carol StuckerAlumni ‘81
Dean StoutlandAlumni ‘76
Randy TrettevikAlumni ‘76
Keven CrabtreeBusiness Leader
Kermit KvammeAlumni Parent
Steve UndsethFaculty Representative