FAST FACTS ABOUT LHNE
Lutheran High Northeast (LHNE), founded in August, 1997, is owned and operated by the Lutheran High School Association of Northeast Nebraska (LHSANN)--19 Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod congregations in Northeast Nebraska.
* LHNE is located on a 40-acre site at 2010 N. 37th Street on the northwest edge of Norfolk.
* We are a senior high school with grades 9-12.
* We are approved by the Nebraska Department of Education under Rule 14.
* Our academic requirements meet or exceed those set by the state.
* We are a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod.
* We are a member of the Nebraska School Activities Association (NSAA) and belong to the Central 8 Conference.
* Varsity sports include girls softball, boys & girls cross country, girls volleyball, 11-man football, boys & girls basketball, wrestling, track & field, boys soccer, girls soccer, and boys golf.
* Other co-curricular activities include mock trial, quiz bowl, drama, speech, cheer team, dance team, and music.
* We welcome students of all faiths and religious beliefs. (You don't have to be Lutheran to attend LHNE!)
* For more information contact Paul Leckband, Executive Director & Principal, at 402-379-3040 ext 303.
LHNE HISTORY
A Lutheran High School in Northeast Nebraska had been talked about for many years when a group of lay leaders, professional church workers, and community leaders met and formed the Lutheran High School Association of Northeast Nebraska (LHSANN) in 1995. Rev. Charles Horkey served as the first president of the Board of Directors. The first two churches to join the LHSANN were Grace Lutheran Church and Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, both in Norfolk. By early in 1996, Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk had become the third congregation to join the Association. Soon to follow were Christ Lutheran Church (Norfolk), St. John Lutheran Church (Battle Creek), Immanuel Lutheran Church (Tilden), St. Paul Lutheran Church (rural Tilden), and Zion Lutheran Church (Pierce).
A Planning Committee led to the formation of many other committees as plans began in earnest to open a Lutheran High School. In August, 1996, Paul Leckband accepted the call to serve as first Executive Director of the LHSANN and principal of Lutheran High Northeast (LHNE), officially beginning his service in January, 2007. A search began for a suitable site on which to construct the new school. Late in 1996, a 40-acre site was acquired at 2010 N. 37th Street on the northwest corner of Norfolk.
Nineteen ninety-seven (1997) was a momentous year for the Association and school. Committees continued to plan for the opening of LHNE. A capital campaign, “Build for Excellence,” was conducted. The LHSANN became a Recognized Service Organization (RSO) of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The Nebraska Department of Education recognized LHNE as an “approved school under Rule 14.” A Building Committee began planning for the new school building with Davis Design (architects) from Lincoln and Hespe Construction (general contractor) from Norfolk. The first students were recruited. The first faculty and staff were officially hired. LHNE became a member of the Nebraska School Activities Association. Ground-breaking for the new building was held in June.
It should be noted that Christ Lutheran Church played a major role in helping begin LHNE by adding 9th grade to its elementary school in 1996-97. (Don Weber was principal of Christ Lutheran School.) This group of students became the nucleus of the first group of students enrolled at Lutheran High.
Lutheran High Northeast officially opened in August, 1997. Since a new building was still in the planning stages, classes were held at Grace Lutheran Church and Christ Lutheran School, both in Norfolk. There were 31 students in grades 9-10. The first faculty and staff included a full-time principal-teacher (Paul Leckband), the first called teacher (Lisa Kuske, also full-time), a full-time school secretary, a full-time business manager, and five part-time teachers. By the winter of 1997-98, “Build for Excellence” had resulted in enough gifts and pledges to initiate construction of the new school building. Work was in progress by spring of 1998.
In 1998-99, enrollment had grown to over 50 students in grades 9-11. LHNE moved its classes to Our Savior Lutheran Church in Norfolk. Three additional full-time teachers were called to serve. Another part-time teacher was added. Enough progress had been made to move classes to the new building in March, 1999. The new building, dedicated that spring, included eight classrooms, an activity center (gym), a commons area, locker rooms, two small offices by the locker rooms, and some storage. The library was housed in a classroom. The computer lab was a part of one of the science labs. The school secretary was headquartered in what is now the concessions stand. The business manager and development secretary had their office in what is now a large custodial closet. The principal-executive director was located in one of the small offices by the locker rooms.
Over 80 students enrolled in grades 9-12 in 1999-2000. The LHNE faculty now included seven full-time and four full-time teachers. The first seniors, numbering 22, graduated in May, 2000, and thus the Class of 2000 became the first graduating class. Due to strong interest a second capital campaign, “Excellence 2000,” was begun to fund the first addition, which was completed and dedicated in January, 2001. This first addition included a library-media center, computer lab, administrative offices, nurse’s room, and faculty workroom.
The years 2000-2009 were marked by dramatic growth. Enrollment grew from 99 students in 2000-01 to 156 students in 2009-2010. The LHSANN grew to include 22 LCMS congregations within a 45-mile radius of Norfolk. (Two congregations subsequently withdrew.) The Lutheran High School of Northeast Nebraska Educational Foundation was founded in 2002. The faculty & staff grew to include nine full-time teachers, three part-time teachers, two full-time administrators, and a support staff of six persons. The first addition to the building (see above) was completed in 2001. A third capital campaign, “Excellence for the Arts,” resulted in the completion of a second addition, which was dedicated in April, 2005. The “fine arts addition” includes a music room, art room, stage, and mezzanine (used for weight-lifting and wrestling). Excellence 2010, begun in 2010, led to a third addition--our new auxiliary gym, dedicated in December, 2010.
As we enter our 15th academic year in 2010-11, we truly “give God the glory” for the amazing blessings which He has given to us. Although our enrollment has declined recently--reflecting a common trend throughout schools located in more rural areas of Nebraska--we continue to serve over 125 students. Our faculty & staff now include seven full-time teachers, three part-time teachers, two full-time administrators, a full-time Development Director, full-time guidance-media director, full-time administrative assistant, full-time business manager, two part-time secretaries, and two custodians. One faculty member serves as Director of Spiritual Life. Another serves as Technology Director. We belong to the Central 8 Conference. Our NSAA activities include include 11 varsity sports, cheer team, drama, speech, and music. The LHSANN includes 19 LCMS congregations in Northeast Nebraska.
“Amazing Blessings” could easily serve as the theme for our relatively short history. God has certainly blessed the mission and ministry of Lutheran High Northeast. “To God be the glory!” (Rom. 16:17)