FVL Friends Dinner 2024
The FVL Friends Dinner is an annual event which celebrates the partnership of the FVL family.
Friends of Fox Valley Lutheran High School gathered together at the Timber Rattlers Stadium on the evening of October 9 to receive an update on the school and its mission and to partake in food, activities, and awards. Those in attendance enjoyed an opportunity for fun and a celebration of the ministry of FVL.
Attendees were introduced to our new faculty and staff members (see page 4). One highlight of the evening was a guessing game, in which participants wagered play money as they attempted to identify school statistics.
A special presentation of the evening featured a video of FVL alumnus Jason Palzer, who spoke on the partnership of FVL and The Meros Center. The Meros Center has been leading efforts to connect faith-based health organizations, researchers, and learners. This year, for the first time, they are including high school students in their efforts, and have selected four FVL students and two FVL teachers to pilot the program. After completing some extra course work this year, these students and teachers will travel to Africa next summer to conduct research. This is an exciting opportunity for both FVL and The Meros Center.
Called Worker Heart of a Servant
The
Called Worker Heart of a Servant was awarded this year to Paul and Carie Hartwig. In 1979, Paul was called to be an instructor and coach at FVL. In 1985, he was called to serve as assistant principal; then in 1991 he began his call as principal until retiring in 2014. During those years, he was instrumental in guiding FVL through its first accreditation in the late ‘90s and in guiding the purchase of property, the operation of the capital campaign, and the building of the current campus. Throughout it all, Carie, not only supported her husband’s efforts, but supported FVL’s growth through her teaching at Mount Olive and later Immanuel, Greenville.
Leader of the Past
The
Leader of the Past
was awarded to the late Howard Heup. His award was accepted by his wife and family. Called to Fox Valley Lutheran in 1969, Howard served in the science department for 32 years. In addition to teaching, he coached track and cross country, and advised the chess and science clubs. Howard is remembered as a kind-hearted man, who regularly drove his VW bus around Appleton to pick up fellow faculty members and drive them to school and to drive them home again after the work day. He assisted on the building committees of both the 1976 addition to the Oneida Street campus and the current Meade Street campus. Howard was called home to heaven in 2020.
Leader of Today
Charles and Gretchen Adrian were recognized as the
Leader of Today. For many years, Mr. and Mrs. Adrian have been serving FVL in countless ways. Chuck, a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran High School, is often called upon to substitute teach. He has assisted the German Club, and he runs the concession booth for the annual VEX Robotics tournament, hosted at FVL. Additionally he manages the band uniforms for our music department. Meanwhile, Gretchen has coordinated concessions for Solo/Ensemble contests at FVL. She served as the choir robe coordinator for several years. And for seven years, organized FVL’s annual music fundraising event, which is now known as Musicfest. Together, the Adrians own and operate Pizza Pros, LLC, a small business that helps non-profit organizations raise funds through the making and selling of pizzas. They have donated meals to FVL’s musical casts and crews, and they will be coordinating meals for the upcoming WELS National Choral Fest, to be hosted at FVL in November 2025.
Thank you for joining us!
Legacy Magazine is an official publication of Fox Valley Lutheran High School.
EDITOR - Matthew Foxen, LAYOUT EDITOR - Sharon Ragner
Fox Valley Lutheran HS,
5300 N. Meade Street, Appleton, WI 54913-8383
Phone:
920-739-4441 Send Email to FVL