SFLS Holds Ceremonial Groundbreaking for New 4,700 Square Foot Fitness Center
On Friday, October 27, Sioux Falls Lutheran School broke ground on a new 4,700 square foot Fitness Center and the shell of an Athletic Training/Storage room.
South Dakota District President of the LC-MS, Rev. Scott Sailer, leads a ceremonial groundbreaking for a new 4,700 square foot Fitness Center and the shell of an Athletic Training/Storage room as SFLS donors and supporters turn dirt.
Led by South Dakota District President of the LC-MS, Rev. Scott Sailer, the groundbreaking ceremony honored nine school supporters who were present for the event, as well several who could not attend. SFLS Executive Director, Tia Esser, shared the following about the donors present for the groundbreaking ceremony:
Mr. Dwane and Mrs. Maxine Boxdorfer – Mr. Boxdorfer first worked in the printing press business, and through an interesting series of events became the owner of North Central Insurance. His wife, Maxine, was also an entrepreneur in the travel business. He still goes to work every day, where he attempts to keep his favorite employee, Mr. Prouty, in line.
Mrs. Dorene Cink – Mrs. Cink worked at the Sioux Falls post office for many years. In addition, she is my best alto-section choir buddy at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, where she keeps me in line with her strong and beautiful voice.
Mrs. Donna Harr – Mrs. Harr enjoyed working with numbers in accounting-related jobs, and together with her late husband, Jack, enjoyed working on countless land-development projects in and around Sioux Falls. In addition, Mrs. Harr is highly invested in the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) to support her deep passion for Gospel-spreading mission work all over the country and world.
Mr. Harlan Heitman – Mr. Heitman represents the Heitman and Nelson families, as he is the father of our physical education teacher, Mrs. Melanie Nelson. Together with his wife, Joan, they raised four children in a Lutheran school in Iowa. Their lifelong work was as farmers. After retiring and later relocating to Sioux Falls, Mr. Heitman’s side hustle of woodworking has and continues to bless us all. The wooden crosses adorning most of our classrooms are the result of his handiwork. And his beautiful cutting boards served as a fundraiser for several of our building projects.
Mr. Steve Jastram – Mr. Jastram has left an indelible mark on us all as the principal architect of this entire building. So visionary–there isn’t a soul who walks in this place who doesn’t express awe at its beauty and function. Your dream come true, this building will continue to bless generations to come.
Mrs. Vicki Jastram – Mr. Jastram’s wife, Vicki, has a life story filled with serving others with special needs. Like Mrs. Harr, she has a deep passion for supporting missions through her volunteer work with the LWML.
Mr. Scott Peters – While he may not look like it, Mr. Peters is easily the school’s biggest cheerleader. His first career was as an attorney, and his encore career has been as a perennial volunteer leading all of our building campaigns. He often recites Ephesians 3:20 and 21 in reference to the powerful ways in which God works through us all.
Mrs. Darlene Sopko – Mrs. Sopko served as a Lutheran school teacher for 36 years, 29 of which were spent at SFLS where she touched hundreds of children with the love of Christ, including my own. Her love of God’s creation and how to wisely steward it was a significant legacy she gifted to her students. And now, she continues to humbly serve as one of our beloved lunch servers.
Mr. Paul Esser – Mr. Esser’s first career was as a captain and helicopter pilot in the Army during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the Army, Mr. Esser worked as a commercial banker. His encore career involves several volunteer gigs, including volunteer time at the Avera McKennan hospital, serving as treasurer for the St. Vincent DePaul, and his favorite pastime—mowing the Sioux Falls Lutheran School lawn and fields alongside Mr. Jeff Nelson. And he happens to be my very best friend and husband.
Other major donors who contributed to the Fitness Center include Gordon & Carol Johnson, Arvad McIntire, Ken & Marianne Peters, Larry & Debbie Raad, and the late Jan Schultz.
Exterior rendering of the new Sioux Falls Lutheran School Fitness Center and Athletic Training/Storage Facility.
Over the past several months, these donors have witnessed the need for a new Fitness Center to support our newly established high school and growing athletic programs. As a result of that witness, they have sacrificially given over $1.3 million in cash and pledges for the construction of such a space. Praise be to God!
During the groundbreaking ceremony, current SFLS students Kaitlyn Wald, Elyse Prouty, Luke Ascher, and Dante Johansen took time to thank the donors for their generous contributions to the Fitness Center. They also shared the many ways in which they look forward to using the space, including to train for powerlifting, football, volleyball, basketball, track and field, and more. Attendees also heard from principal architect, Steve Jastram, and Middle and High School Principal and Athletic Director, Mr. James Stubkjaer.
The addition of these new spaces, which are scheduled to be completed in spring 2024, will certainly bless our school community for years to come. Thank you for your generosity!
About Sioux Falls Lutheran School
Sioux Falls Lutheran School is a family community committed to developing capable Christian servant-leaders in a complex world who are World Ready and Faith Secure. We are passionate about giving our students the tools they need to be successful academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually. We strive to accomplish this goal by maintaining high academic standards, employing excellent teachers, and upholding a Christian worldview drawn from Scripture. Ultimately, our vision is to partner with families in preparing children, as led by the Holy Spirit, for faithful and bold use of their God-given gifts to navigate and serve a complex world with the love of Christ.