Student Success Stories

Isaac McClosky (‘18) is back on campus, this time as an employee, making an impact on students, especially in the dormitory. Isaac studies for a master’s degree by day and supervises in the dorm in the evenings. Read more about his passion for cross-cultural relationships and his future plans to serve as a counselor.

SCLA high school sweethearts Matt (‘02) and Bethany (Abel ‘02) Otterstatter reminisce about sports, trying new things, and lessons from dorm life. The couple's son is now in his freshman year at SCLA, and they share why they still feel SCLA is the right place for them and their children.

Coming to SCLA as an international student from Korea, Kwanho Lee (‘15) had to adjust to a new school system, American food, and friends from across the globe. He reflects on his experience and encourages other international students to take the leap and enroll at SCLA.

Renee (Ponath) Nair (‘79) has a heart for kids and serving others. She reflects on the path that led her to New Day Thrift Store where she enjoys welcoming families and sharing smiles with their children who affectionately call her “Grandma.” Read more of Renee’s story and learn about the important work that New Day provides in the Twin Cities.

As part of Black History Month, entertainment executive, artist, teacher, entrepreneur, and market executive Craig Laurence Rice returned to his alma mater .

Tim Holen (‘71) and Rich Holen (‘66) are brothers and co-owners of St. Francis True Value who fondly recall their time at St. Croix where they learned the power of Christian education, ministry, and friendships. Their business is one of SCLA’s generous business partners. 

There are two unexpected residents in the St. Croix Lutheran Academy dormitory - Perry and Bev Abel - a couple in their early 60s who have a passion for the ministry of SCLA and who are both SCLA alumni (Perry ’76 and Bev ’78).

Senior CT technologist at Abbott Northwestern Westhealth campus in Plymouth, MN.

Martin Guldberg (‘91) and his wife Melissa have four children that attend or recently graduated from SCLA. This family shares the love of Jesus wherever they go! Read more about Martin’s time in high school and his thankfulness for Christian education.

This alumna returns to her alma mater every Wednesday to counsel students through the highs and lows of school, relationships, and life in a pandemic.

Director of Marketing and Communication at Capitol Christian Music Group who works alongside incredible artists like Jason Gray, Unspoken, Andrew Peterson, Lauren Daigle, Jordan Feliz, and Apollo LTD. 

As a pastor’s kid, Paul Huebner (‘00) grew up around St. Croix even before his high school years. He reflects on the importance of his Christian education and how he will encourage future pastors and teachers through his new football coaching role at Martin Luther College.

Jessie (Bilitz) Polzin learned the value of showing Christian love in high school and took that mindset to serve at the Esperanza Viva Youth Home in Puebla, Mexico. Read more about her work as an occupational therapist and how God connected her with the right people at the right time.

Over the past few months, Nick Krueger (‘05), an aide to representative Terry Katsma (Sheboygan County, Wisconsin), has had a wild ride in his run for office in the Wisconsin State Assembly. Nick shares about the SCLA teachers that impacted and prepared him, his run for office, and his hobby of restoring their historic home. 

On October 23, 2020, alumnus Kai Tai (Stanley) Chan shared his SCLA story with students via a recorded conversation with SCLA Pastor David Huebner. 

Camryn Biebert (‘17) is a world traveler currently using her Spanish skills to spread the gospel through Academia Cristo. She shares how SCLA prepared her for mission work abroad and next year in Wisconsin.

If you attended the SCLA 2022 Gala in April, you may remember the beautiful photos taken by Michelle Wirth Photography. It’s wonderful to see St. Croix alumni using their talents and passions! Michelle Wirth (Enger ‘09) shares about St. Croix’s impact on her, how she found her way into photography, and what she’s learned from international travel.

In just ten years, Loren Kosloske has gone from learning in the classrooms of SCLA to working as a a Senior Strategy and Operations Manager at Uber in Seattle. The pandemic has called on everyone to adapt, including Loren’s work at the ride-share company. Loren answered some questions for us about what he’s been up to and shares his hopes for more SCLA alumni to mentor current students.

4:13 Athletics is a non-profit organization that was launched in July 2018 as a way to impact youth in the Twin Cities. Founder Kevin Branson, class of 2013, along with other SCL alumni saw a growing need in the community and acted on it. 

As an independent financial advisor, Andy has worked the last five years at Tiarks, Becker, and Hackett Financial based out of Pine Island, Minnesota. Andy has served at SCLA as a volunteer head throwing coach for the Crusader track and field team, and he has served as an assistant football coach. He took part in 2019 Career Day at SCLA by explaining his role in the finance industry and answering student questions.

Tyler Wood (‘13) is an avid golfer and sandwich shop owner who loves his alma mater and keeps giving back.

Crystal Carmichael (‘14) and her family have been familiar faces around St. Croix for years. Crystal and her three sisters all attended SCLA and lived in the dorm. After obtaining her teaching degree from Martin Luther College, Crystal returned to SCLA to teach and serve as a dorm supervisor! Crystal shares her experience in the SCLA ministry from different contexts and how God prepared her for her current role in Florida.

SCLA is excited to welcome Kaitlin Rupprecht (Adsit ‘16) to the Mission Advancement Team! Kaitlin was our school study hall supervisor and attendance secretary last year, and as a fairly recent alumna, she brings a wealth of knowledge, school culture, and personal experience to her new role as Manager of Alumni Relations. Get to know Kaitlin!

College life can be a bit tricky to manage, but then combine it with a pandemic and things get even harder. We caught up with two recent SCLA alumni who are currently studying at Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN and are learning how to hold on to patience, hope, and faith. Wade Shult (‘16) is a senior looking forward to his first teaching assignment and getting married in just a few weeks. Madylin Mielke (‘19) is a sophomore who is looking forward to summer with family and friends and returning to SCLA to coach summer basketball camp.

Camryn Biebert (‘17) is a world traveler currently using her Spanish skills to spread the gospel through Academia Cristo. She shares how SCLA prepared her for mission work abroad and next year in Wisconsin.

Jared Joyal (‘17) is a recent graduate who has taken his creativity, attention to detail, and gaming hobby to the next level by landing a job at Epic Games where he helps develop the popular online video game Fortnite.

Gunther Grinde is conducting critical testing to identify the novel coronavirus as part of the state of Nebraska’s Test Nebraska initiative.

We caught up with Garett Maag (‘18) who is a Division-I student athlete at University of North Dakota. He plays wide receiver for FCS (1-AA) North Dakota out of the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Read about his SCLA football story and what led him to continue playing in college.