Alumni Focus -Andrew Danner ('06)

As he takes the helm as principal of Bloomington Living Hope Lutheran School, Andrew Danner (‘06) reflects on his memories of the caring Christian education he received and how it drives him to share the same foundation and values with students today.

What are some of your favorite memories from your time at St. Croix?

It was great looking back at old yearbooks to trigger some old high school memories. It is easy to recall the athletic, music, and academic awards. However, the most meaningful memories involve friendships and caring teachers. I am fortunate to have been provided a great Christian education surrounded by like-minded individuals during my formative years. Knowing the great experience I was afforded drives me to want to offer this same excellent foundation built on Christ to students and families today.

Were you involved in any extracurriculars or activities that helped shape who you are today?

I enjoyed playing soccer, track, and baseball during my high school career. I continued to play soccer and baseball in college and still enjoy sports to this day – playing, watching, coaching.  Sports can teach some great life lessons and help one develop character traits such as self-discipline, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, consistency, and work ethic.  Being on a team forces you to set aside individual aspirations and play whatever role your team requires to achieve group success. These lessons manifest themselves in daily life in so many ways. I reference the team mentality and culture at home with my own children as well as at school with our students, teachers, and parents.

What path did you take after graduating? How did your goals evolve over time?

After graduating from St. Croix, I attended Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, to pursue full time ministry in our WELS school system. I was privileged to meet many great friends during my five years at MLC, including my wife Jaime. 

Upon graduation from MLC, I was assigned to teach in Colorado Springs, CO. After four years there, Jaime and I decided to accept a call to teach upper grades and serve as principal at St. Paul’s in Plymouth, NE. All three of our children (Harper, 10; Greyson, 7; Finley, 4) were born there in Nebraska. We thoroughly enjoyed serving for 10 years in the “good life” of Nebraska with a tremendous church and school team. 

My family just moved back to Minnesota this past summer and I now have the privilege of serving as the principal at Bloomington Living Hope in Shakopee and Bloomington. I look forward to getting to know all our BLH students and families as well as reacquainting with old grade school and high school connections from back in the day. It is fun to be back where I grew up and get to take my own children to SCLA events, activities, and camps.

How did your experiences at St. Croix influence the kind of work you wanted to do in adulthood?

I applied to and was considering three colleges after SCLA: the University of Minnesota, Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, and MLC. I remember seeking the advice of band instructor Mr. Casey Pufahl, and I appreciate his encouragement to try out MLC. I certainly wasn’t dead set on being a teacher right out of the gates. However, I am glad for all the teachers and role models throughout my Christian education that have shaped me to be the person that I am today. Working with our young people and reminding them every day of their Savior’s love for them is extremely rewarding! I would encourage any undecided high schoolers to check out Martin Luther College and consider serving as a called worker in our WELS church and school system.

What advice would you give to your high school self or to current students?

I would advise any young person to live where your feet are planted. Enjoy each moment and through it all, trust that God is working all things for your good. You don’t need to worry about the little things and why certain things are the way they are. God has a plan. Enjoy the journey!