Student Success Stories

Parker Lewis (‘21) came to SCLA in 7th grade as an apprehensive middle school student in need of a change. Although he “cried his eyes out” when he came to shadow, he left laughing and joyful after immediately connecting with new friends. Now graduated, he is preparing for his future as a Christian teacher. His testimony is one of God’s unwavering grace, love, and provision, and a must-read.

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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. 

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.

We recently caught up with alumna Jill (Oldfield) McNamara who reflected on her time at SCLA and gave us an update on what she’s doing today.

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.

Kristen (Scislow ‘05) and Bryan Budahn (‘05) have had their share of adventures since their time in high school at SCLA. From delivering babies to brewing beer to climbing mountains around the world, the Budahns took their passions and ran with them. Read on for how the pandemic has affected their careers and how they’ve done their best to make the most of every situation.

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).

Charlie (Chuck) Wiplinger (‘98) is the CEO/President of Wipaire, Inc. in South St. Paul, Minnesota.

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.

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

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.

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

For Andrew Tiarks (‘13), going to St. Croix Lutheran Academy is a legacy in his family -- and he couldn’t be prouder.

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

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

At this small Minnesota school with international connections, Nae Nhae found friends from America, Brazil, Eritrea, Nigeria and Turkey.

Found of Non-Profit 4:13 Athletics

Executive Vice President of Operations, Ideal Credit Union

Alumna Returns to be Baptized at SCL

Public Accountant and Interior Designer

Executive at Capitol Christian Music Group in Nashville, TN

Jason Bao, Class of 2019