WELCOME TO CALVARY LUTHERAN HIGH SCHOOL

John Christman
John ChristmanExecutive Director
“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.”
Luke 22:31-32

Welcome to Calvary Lutheran High School, where we are building Christian leaders! By partnering with families at the intersection of education and faith development, Calvary is a relational Christian community, engaging the world as servant leaders.

For 15 years, Calvary Lutheran High School has specialized in providing a high quality academic and Christ-centered experience to our students and their families. Our relationship-driven school sets us apart from others in mid-Missouri and makes the Calvary experience unique and memorable. Often times we refer to the “Calvary family.”

We endeavor to prepare our students to engage the world with a dynamic combination of faith and knowledge. Students are equipped in these areas inside and outside the classroom. Calvary students have opportunities to benefit from a smaller student-teacher ratio, but also through many extra-curricular sports, fine arts and activities. Having opportunities to develop as well-rounded individuals now prepares them to be more versatile as 21st century disciples of Jesus Christ.

You are invited to learn more about the distinction of Calvary. Explore our website, follow us on social media, visit our campus… experience what it means to “Be a Lion!”

Forward in Faith,

John Christman
Executive Director

HISTORY

Lutheran education at the elementary level has been a strong component of the Lutheran churches in the area since their beginning. Lutheran education at the secondary level began to take shape early in 2003 when a group of concerned members of the various Lutheran churches organized and conducted a professional feasibility study called the “Genesis Project”.

This study suggested that a Lutheran secondary school with an ultimate goal of approximately 400 students was not only appropriate but necessary. As a result of this study and the ensuing effort and planning of a large number of people, Calvary Lutheran High School was organized and began classes August 2005. Calvary Lutheran High School is one of approximately 120 high schools in the United States operated by Lutheran Church Missouri Synod congregations.

MISSION, VISION, & VALUES

OUR VISION

Calvary Lutheran High School is a relational Christian community engaging the world as servant leaders.

OUR MISSION

Partnering with families at the intersection of education and faith development.

OUR VALUES

  • Christ-Centered

  • Relationship-Driven

  • Academically-Focused

  • Servant-Hearted

  • Well-Rounded

FACULTY & STAFF

Erich Ahlers
Erich AhlersPrincipal
Mr. Ahlers is Calvary’s first Called principal and teacher. In addition to his administrative duties, he also teaches several computer classes. Before coming to Calvary, he taught for seven years at Lutheran High School North in Houston Texas. He received his Master of Arts in Education Administration from Concordia University in Austin, Texas.
John Christman
John ChristmanExecutive Director
In 2016, Mr. Christman was called to be Calvary’s Executive Director. In addition, he teaches Calculus and coaches golf. Prior to Calvary, he served in Lutheran high schools in Nebraska, Arkansas and Illinois. He earned his bachelors degree in Secondary Education from Concordia University, Nebraska and has an Education Specialist degree from Southeast Missouri State University.
Melisa Ahlers
Melisa AhlersOffice Assistant
Mrs. Alhers has been serving at Calvary since 2005, first as a music teacher for 14 years, and now she has stepped into the role of office manager. She also taught at Lutheran High School North in Houston, Texas for four years. She received her Bachelor of Education with an endorsement in Music from Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska.
Carmy Heerboth
Carmy HeerbothFacility Custodian
Carmy came to Calvary in 2017 as our facility custodian. She is originally from St. Louis, Missouri where she went to school and graduated with an Associates Degree as a Paralegal. She had worked for 25 years as a secretary, followed by 8 years at the Department of Social Services Legal services where she was a Senior Office Support Assistant. She currently shares her time between Calvary and helping others with cleaning houses, doing errands, cooking, and providing transport.
Ashley Zorena
Ashley ZorenaOffice Assistant
Mrs. Zorena and her husband relocated from the Chicagoland area to Jefferson City in 2021. Mrs. Zorena began serving Calvary during the 2022-2023 school year. She has previously taught preschool and first grade following her graduation from Concordia University Chicago with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education.
Bruce Heerboth
Bruce HeerbothMaintenance Technician
Abby Luebbert
Abby LuebbertOutreach Coordinator
Mrs. Luebbert began serving Calvary during the 2023-2024 school year, and assists with student enrollment, building community relations, and maintaining donor engagement. She has previously worked in community engagement following her graduation from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology.

FACULTY

Patricia Bisby
Patricia BisbyFamily & Consumer Sciences Teacher; Foresee Program Director
Mrs. Bisby came to Calvary to implement the Foresee Program in 2014. She is now the special education director in charge of the Foresee Program along with teaching Family and Consumer Sciences. She has taught at various Missouri schools for over 20 years, including Belton High School and Fatima High School, retiring from the School of the Osage in Osage Beach, Missouri. She received a Masters of Art in Teaching: Special Education from Columbia College.
Sam Ziegelbein
Sam ZiegelbeinMathematics & Religion Teacher
Mr. Ziegelbein joined the faculty in 2015, and teaches classes in mathematics and religion. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Math Education from Lincoln University, Jefferson City, Missouri and completed the colloquy program to receive his Lutheran Teacher diploma in 2018.
Trina Lieb
Trina LiebEnglish & Practical Arts Teacher; Guidance Counselor
Mrs. Lieb joined our faculty in 2013 and teaches English and Practical Arts classes in addition to serving as Guidance Counselor. Her teaching experience includes serving as a teacher at Christ Lutheran School in Little Rock, Arkansas for six years and school counselor for one and a half years. She received her Master of Arts in Educational Counseling from University of Arkansas in Little Rock, Arkansas.
Nancy Lane
Nancy LaneEnglish, Photography & Practical Skills Teacher
Mrs. Lane joined Calvary in 2021 and teaches English, Study Skills, and Photography. Prior to teaching at Calvary, she taught at an Episcipal school in Louisiana, public schools in Kansas City and Columbus, IN, as well as one year at Trinity Lutheran School here in Jefferson City. Combined, she has over 30 years of teaching experience. Mrs. Lane has a BS from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette in math and English education, and an M.Ed. from UL-L with post graduate hours at the University of Kansas and Indiana University.
Ginger Luetkemeyer
Ginger LuetkemeyerTeacher
Mrs. Luetkemeyer joined Calvary in 2010 as a Spanish teacher, and currently teaches both Speech and Social Studies. She also serves as the current director of our Student Government and Scholar Bowl Team. She is a graduate of Central Methodist University with a degree in Secondary Education in the areas of Spanish and Social Studies.
Laura Moehlman
Laura MoehlmanEnglish & History Teacher
Mrs. Moehlman joined the Calvary family in 2018 as the Cheerleading Coach. She began teaching English and History classes at Calvary in 2019. Prior to teaching, Mrs. Moehlman spent 10 years administering programs for higher education institutions including Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO. She received her Masters of Science in Higher Education Administration at the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, MO.
Abby Ward
Abby WardEnglish & Religion Teacher; Drama Director
Ms. Ward is a Calvary alumna, and joined our staff in the 2022-2023 school year as an English and Religion teacher. She also directs our school dramas. She has a B.A. from the University of Central Missouri in English and an M.A. in Spiritual Care with a Deaconess Certification from Concordia Seminary (St. Louis).
Kevin Zorena
Kevin ZorenaBand & Choir Teacher
Mr. Zorena joined the Calvary faculty in July of 2021, moving with his wife from Naperville, IL. He currently teaches band and choir at both Calvary and Trinity Lutheran. Before coming to Calvary, he taught K-8 general music, Jr. High choir, and 4-8 grade band. Along with teaching in Lutheran Schools, Mr. Zorena currently directs adult church choirs and handbell ensembles at Trinity Lutheran. He is one of the conductors for the Jefferson City Community Band. He earned his Bachelors in Music Education from Concordia University Chicago in May 2017.
Danielle Rakow
Danielle RakowPhysical Education Teacher
Mrs. Rakow started teaching Physical Education for Calvary in 2022 and also serves as the Assistant Girls Basketball Coach. She was on the “Start Up” Board of Directors representing Trinity when Calvary first began. Mrs. Rakow graduated from Concordia University Nebraska and went on to teach, join the United States Marine Corps, and most recently retired from the State of Missouri before joining Calvary as staff.
Hannah Henley
Hannah HenleyAgriculture & Woodworking Teacher; FFA Director
Ms. Henley began teaching agriculture classes and directs our FFA chapter at Calvary in 2014. She has also taught agriculture science classes at Eugene High School. She received her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture Education from Missouri State University.
Carrie Whittle
Carrie WhittleMathematics Teacher
Dr. Whittle is joining Calvary this year to teach high school and college level mathematics. She previously taught math and physics courses at Stephens College in Columbia, and she has also worked as a computer programmer for many years. She received her Ph.D. in Mathematics at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.
Dr. Jennifer Fruend
Dr. Jennifer FruendScience Teacher
Dr. Fruend joined the Calvary family as a dual credit biology instructor. Prior to coming to Calvary, Dr. Fruend has accumulated over 20 years of teaching experience in K-12, high school, and college education positions. Dr. Fruend I earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in science education and conservation biology from the University of Missouri-St. Louis, and her undergraduate degrees at Concordia University Wisconsin in both biology and 6-12 education.
Tisha Celada
Tisha CeladaSpanish Teacher
Kristina Wilhelm
Kristina WilhelmScience Teacher
Aubrey Hobratschk
Aubrey HobratschkDesktop Publishing Teacher
Ann DeRosier
Ann DeRosierArt Teacher

COACHING STAFF

Kerri MorrisAthletic Director/Cross Country & Track Head Coach
Coach Morris has served as the cross country and track and field coach at Calvary since 2013. She has a Master’s of Science in Special Education from the University of Missouri. While teaching at Eldon High School, she coached volleyball and track. She was also a student track coach at Rock Bridge Senior High School and Rolla Senior High School.
Jake HungetArchery Head Coach
Coach Hunget has been the archery coach at Calvary since 2019. He has previously coached elementary and middle school archery teams at Trinity Lutheran School, where he helped start the program and watched it grow to over 70 archers in under 5 years. He took his previous team to local, state, national, and world tournaments as hosted by the National Archery in the Schools Program. His archery experience dates back nearly 30 years and continues to this day through the program and as an outdoorsman.
Kandace CookeVolleyball Head Coach
Coach Cook joined Calvary’s staff as head volleyball coach in the 2019 season. She played volleyball at Lamar Community College where she graduated with a CNA certificate and an Associate of Arts, before continuing her schooling and volleyball career at Stephens College where she earned a Bachelors of Science with an emphasis in biology and a minor in Event Management. She coached at Southern Boone Middle School and is an Assistant Coach at Columbia College.. She coaches private lessons for various age groups and is also the Volleyball Director at the Missouri Athletic Center (Powered by Wilson’s). She has been the head coach at 417 Columbia Juniors since 2017.
Charlie WehmeyerBoys Basketball Assistant Coach
Charlie Wehmeyer joined Calvary in 2020 as the boys basketball assistant coach. He started coaching right out of high school at Trinity Lutheran for 2 years before joining Calvary’s coaching staff. He graduated from Jefferson City High School in 2018.
Beau MonsonBoys Basketball Head Coach
Coach Monson began as the assistant boy’s basketball coach in fall 2018, and is now our head coach. He is a 2015 Calvary graduate, and he graduated from Missouri State University in 2015 with a degree in Administrative Management.
Ty MorrisGirls Basketball Head Coach
Ty joined Calvary as the assistant cross country coach and assistant track coach in 2013, and has since become the head varsity girls basketball coach. Ty is a full time engineer, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Engineering from University of Missouri–Rolla.
Jay RodieckSoccer Head Coach
Austin GalbraithBaseball Head Coach

ACCREDITATION

All Calvary Lutheran High School programs and procedures are developed to meet or exceed normal State of Missouri Department of Education guidelines and typical regional accrediting standards.

Calvary is unconditionally accredited by National Lutheran Schools Accrediting Association.  NLSA accreditation meets or exceeds requirements of Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

ASSOCIATION

Calvary Lutheran High School is governed by the Lutheran High School Association of Mid-Missouri, which is comprised of a group of local Lutheran congregations and whose representatives and delegates serve on this governing body.  The members and pastors of these congregations work tirelessly to support the work of Calvary Lutheran through their time, talents, and treasures.  Many Calvary events are held at these member congregations, including: opening services, concerts, and graduation exercises.  Current member congregations of this association include:

Faith Lutheran

Faith Lutheran Church

2027 Industrial Drive
Jefferson City, Missouri 65109
Phone: 573-636-4602
Fax: 573-632-7739
Pastors: Rev. Eric Gledhill, Rev. Josh Knippa

Visit

Grace Lutheran

Grace Lutheran Church

618 Halifax Rd
Holts Summit, MO 65043
Phone: 573-896-8824
Pastor: Rev. Michael Diener

Visit

Immanuel Lutheran

Immanuel Lutheran Church

8231 Tanner Bridge Rd.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone: 573-496-3451
Fax: 573-496-9920
Associated School: Immanuel Lutheran School
Interim Pastor: Rev. Rick Faus

Visit

St. Johns Lutheran Schubert

St. Johns Lutheran Church

4409 St. John’s Rd.
Jefferson City, MO 65101
Phone:  573-395-4591
Pastor: Rev. Gerald Scheperle

Visit

St. Johns Lutheran Stringtown

St. Johns Lutheran Church

4420 Stringtown Rd.
Lohman, MO 65053
Pastor: Rev. Brian Whittle

Visit

Trinity Lutheran

Trinity Lutheran Church

803 Swifts Highway
Jefferson City, MO 65109
Phone: 573-636-6750
Fax: 573-636-5613
Associated School:  Trinity Lutheran School
Pastors: Rev. Samuel Powell, Rev. Jessie Schlie

Visit