Scholarships & Legacy Funds

At Sioux Falls Lutheran School, we believe every child should have the opportunity to receive a Christ-centered education that prepares them to be World Ready and Faith Secure. Through the generosity of donors who believe in our mission, scholarship funds help remove financial barriers and open doors for students and families. These gifts are more than financial support—they are an investment in students who are being equipped to become capable Christian servant-leaders.

In order to receive a scholarship, students must submit a needs-based variable tuition application through TADS by our annual May 15 deadline.

Behind every scholarship is a story of faith, love for students, and a desire to make a lasting impact. These funds represent the faith, vision, and values of the families and individuals who established them, creating opportunities for students to receive tuition assistance and pursue a Christ-centered education. Each scholarship is unique, reflecting the passions and priorities of those who give, while sharing a common mission: helping more students experience the lifelong impact of Sioux Falls Lutheran School.

Hands of God Scholarship

Established by Sheldon and Kathy Gross, the Hands of God Scholarship was created with a desire to encourage and support students as they prepare for their future educational and career pathways.

Inspired by the message of John 3:16 and the incredible gift of God’s love through His Son, the Hands of God Scholarship reflects the belief that God works through the generous hands of His people to bless others. This scholarship provides tuition support for high school students, with preference given to seniors pursuing vocational pathways, skilled trades, technical education, apprenticeships, or other career-focused opportunities.

The Grosses created this scholarship as an investment in students’ futures—providing support during their time at Sioux Falls Lutheran School while encouraging them to save and prepare for the next step God has planned for them. By helping students pursue their God-given gifts and callings, the Hands of God Scholarship celebrates the many ways God equips His children to serve their neighbors and make a difference in the world.

This scholarship serves as a reminder that every student has been uniquely created by God, every calling has value, and every opportunity to learn, grow, and serve begins with the generosity of a caring community.

These endowed funds provide lasting support for students by creating ongoing opportunities for tuition assistance year after year.

Jan C. Schultz Memorial Endowment

This endowment was established in memory of Jan C. Schultz, a woman of deep faith, kindness, and service to others. Jan lived her life grounded in Christ, with a quiet strength and a heart for people—especially her family, church, and community.

Jan held a deep desire for every child to have the opportunity to attend SFLS. This fund provides needs-based tuition assistance for students in grades K–12, ensuring children from every walk of life can access a Christ-centered education—an enduring reflection of Jan’s spirit of care and generosity.

Elizabeth Weathers Lias Memorial Scholarship Endowment

This endowment was established in memory of Elizabeth Weathers Lias (SFLS Class of 2002), whose life reflected a deep commitment to serving others. Her years at SFLS helped shape her love for learning and her desire to serve through interests in Spanish, law, and healthcare system improvements. A lifelong Minneboji camper and Honors Camp Counselor, Elizabeth lived with joy, purpose, and faith.

Her confirmation verse, Matthew 6:33—“Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness…”—was foundational in her life. In light of the promises that precede it, Elizabeth lived simply—trusting in the Lord’s provision and embodying her belief to “live simply, so others can simply live.”

This fund supports needs-based tuition assistance for middle school students, extending her legacy by opening doors for others to grow and serve.

Joel H. Neubauer Servant Leadership Scholarship Endowment

Established in loving memory of Joel H. Neubauer by his sisters, Marilyn (David) Ryerson and Diane (Stephen) Doering, the Joel H. Neubauer Servant Leadership Scholarship Endowment celebrates a man whose life reflected the joy, humility, and servant-hearted love of Jesus Christ.

Joel believed Lutheran education was about far more than academics. He believed it was a place where young people grow as disciples of Christ, become servant leaders, strengthen Christian community, and discover that a life devoted to Jesus is a life devoted to serving others.

Whether serving as Chairman of the Sioux Falls Lutheran School Board of Education, volunteering behind the scenes, preparing meals that brought people together, lending a helping hand, or simply greeting others with his unmistakable smile, Joel never sought recognition. He simply saw a need and joyfully stepped in. His life was a beautiful reflection of Christ’s example of servant leadership, and his impact continues to be felt throughout the Sioux Falls Lutheran School community.

This fund provides scholarships for Sioux Falls Lutheran School high school students who demonstrate financial need and embody the Christ-centered character, joyful servant leadership, and commitment to serving others that defined Joel H. Neubauer’s life.

A scholarship gift is more than financial assistance—it is an opportunity and an invitation for a student to grow in faith, discover their God-given gifts, and be equipped to become a capable Christian servant-leader.

• Establish a named scholarship fund that reflects your values and creates opportunities for future generations.
• Support an existing scholarship and help provide tuition assistance for current students.
• Create an endowed scholarship that provides lasting support year after year.
• Include Sioux Falls Lutheran School in your estate plans and leave a legacy of Christ-centered education.

Every scholarship begins with a heart for students and a desire to make a lasting impact. Whether you are interested in establishing a scholarship, supporting an existing fund, or learning how your generosity can help provide opportunities for SFLS students, we would love to walk alongside you.

Contact our Development Team to explore how your gift can become part of the story God is writing through Sioux Falls Lutheran School.

Bree Makepeace

Development Director
bmakepeace@sflutheranschool.com
605-335-1923 ext. 3

Rev. Scott Sailer

Development Ambassador
devamb@sflutheranschool.com