PROVIDING THE LIGHT

The organization of Lutheran schools in Central Nebraska is getting an “exciting” shakeup as Heartland Lutheran High School will become Grand Island Lutheran High, among other changes.

The Trinity Lutheran Church council and congregation, as well as the delegates of Heartland Lutheran High School have all voted in favor of an acquisition of the high school by Trinity Lutheran.

“We are thrilled to be making this exciting announcement,” said Andy Rathe, current principal of Trinity Lutheran. “After a year of working with all the parties involved, we are ready to celebrate the future of Lutheran education under one umbrella.”

A new organization, Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools, has been formed and on July 1 will officially unite Trinity Lutheran School with the newly named Grand Island Lutheran High. Trinity will become a PreK-6 school and Lutheran High will be 7-12.

Officials say the main reason for this unification is to continue and strengthen Lutheran education in Central Nebraska. By combining Trinity Lutheran and the high school, for the first time there will be a full preschool through high school graduation Lutheran option in Grand Island.

“Many people didn’t realize Trinity and Heartland Lutheran were separate school organizations,” Rathe said. “Heartland Lutheran has had a wonderful 25 years serving the area. Trinity Lutheran has been around for more than 140 years. We’re looking forward to the next 140 years together as Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools.”

Heartland Lutheran will remain a school through the end of this school year. Starting in the fall, Grand Island Lutheran High will be the school’s name.

“We’re excited to present the Grand Island Lutheran High Lightning,” Rathe said. “We believe God is the ultimate source of light and power. That is reflected in the light and power of Lightning.”

All students currently enrolled will be able to stay in the school. Any students can reach out to either Trinity Lutheran or Heartland Lutheran to enroll for the fall.

As far as staffing goes, there will be changes coming. All the grade 7 and 8 staff from Trinity Lutheran will move to the high school location. There will be additional changes announced over the coming months.

Brad Keasling is the executive director of the Trinity Lutheran Foundation. He said there were a number of issues leading to this change, but ultimately it came down to ensuring Lutheran education had a strong future in Grand Island and the region.

“We knew Heartland Lutheran was long facing enrollment and financial struggles,” he said. “Trinity Lutheran leaders believe with a unified vision, fresh perspective and renewed passion, we can revitalize secondary Lutheran education.”

Keasling had great things to say about Heartland Lutheran.

“We are thankful to all who have been involved with Heartland Lutheran over their 25 years,” he said. “We are excited to bring them all into Trinity Lutheran as one united family going forward.”

He also stressed the Heartland Lutheran legacy does not disappear.

“We know there are many graduates and supporters of the Red Hornets, past and present,” Keasling said. “We hope they all know they will always be welcome in our schools.”

The annual Red & Blue Gala in support of Heartland Lutheran is scheduled for March 22. Keasling said he hopes the event will be an opportunity for those supporters to share in the excitement for the future of Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools.

As Grand Island Lutheran High prepares to open its doors this fall, school leadership is proud to announce the coaching staff who will guide the Lightning into their first year of athletic competition. Principal and Athletic Director Jeremiah Slough will lead the program alongside a passionate and experienced group of coaches, many with deep ties to the existing Heartland Lutheran community.

In addition to Slough, who will serve as head boys basketball coach, the staff includes returning Heartland Lutheran coaches Daniel Gibson (track and cross country) and Pastor Dan Bremer (golf). Rounding out the new-look staff are two newly appointed leaders: Jaydon Owen, who will take over the girls basketball program, and Kevin Liess, who will head the football program. Both bring unique strengths, experience, and a deep commitment to the mission of Christ-centered athletics.

“In early conversations with the staff at Heartland Lutheran, there is an overwhelming sense of pride and passion for Lutheran education,” said Slough. “From academics to athletics and activities, our shared ministry will serve the Grand Island community and surrounding areas with an incredible opportunity for a Christ-centered educational experience. We are truly blessed to have such a dedicated team of professionals leading our students.”

A familiar face to Slough, Owen steps into the role of head girls basketball coach with a strong background in both player development and faith-driven mentorship.

“We’re excited to welcome Coach Owen as the new leader of our girls basketball program,” said Slough. “Jaydon is not only a tremendous leader, but he brings a high-level basketball IQ and a strong command of X’s and O’s. He values both development and discipline—and what sets him apart is his commitment to character and culture.”

Owen, who most recently served as the head freshman boys coach at Grand Island Senior High, is eager to step into this new chapter.

“I am extremely honored and blessed to have this opportunity,” Owen said. “Blending my passion for basketball with faith to create the best experience for these girls is something that really excites me. I look forward to forming relationships with the team and community, and creating a culture of togetherness and growth.”

Owen’s coaching resume includes time on Jake Scheef’s staff at Logan View Public Schools and coaching football at Walnut Middle School. He credits Slough as an important mentor over the past two years.

“He is one of the best leaders I’ve ever met,” Owen added. “I have no doubt Grand Island Lutheran High will be a very special place under his leadership.”

Liess, a long-time figure in Lutheran education and athletics, has been named head football coach. A graduate of Heartland Lutheran and veteran teacher and coach, Liess brings a deeply rooted passion for the mission of the new school.

“Kevin is a natural leader with a deep love for competition and an even deeper passion for impacting the lives of student-athletes,” said Slough. “He’s already built strong relationships within our Lutheran community. His transition into the head coaching role is a blessing for Grand Island Lutheran High.”

Liess has worn many hats over his 25-year journey with Lutheran schools—as a student, teacher, board member, parent, and assistant coach. His love for the game is matched only by his commitment to student growth and spiritual development.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with incredible coaches, families, and players,” Liess said. “I’m proud of the high-character kids we have. It really is like a family here. I’m excited to help our young men grow as Christian leaders on and off the field and can’t wait to get started this summer.”