Legacy Christian Academy's Annual Report for the 2023-2024 school year!
LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY ANNUAL REPORT 2023-2024 LIONS SHARE
LETTER FROM / Legacy's Head of School
Dear Legacy Family,
During the 2023-24 school year we made significant strides in the third year of our 5-Year Strategic Plan, Courageous Faith: Magnifying God’s Sovereignty , and continued to remain steadfast in who we are as Legacy Christian Academy. On March 19, 2024, we celebrated the Grand Opening of our New Academic Building, which includes a dedicated middle school space and 12 state-of-the-art classrooms on the upper levels, with new high school classrooms and the Engineering & Innovation Lab on the lower level. Over the summer, we also remodeled and expanded 10 elementary classrooms. Through the generosity of our Legacy community and the Ascending Together Campaign, God moved hearts to give $8.4M to make these projects possible. The 2023-24 school year also marked the inaugural senior mission trip to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, where our seniors put their faith into action. We expanded our Academic Intervention Program to better meet the individual learning needs of our students. Prioritizing safety, we partnered with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office to have a deputy onsite. Through all of this, who we are remains the same: Legacy Christian Academy exists to equip the mind and disciple of heart of each student for Christ-like living . We are training students to be biblically-grounded, disciples of Christ; faithful and courageous, servant leaders; intellectually-prepared, accomplished learners; morally- disciplined, students of character; and God-glorifying, Spirit-led worshippers. You can have confidence that We are Legacy , and our mission will not change.
JAKE MULVIHILL Head of School
Legacy Christian Academy exists to equip the mind and disciple the heart of each student for Christ-like living . Legacy Christian Academy fulfills its mission through focusing on our 5 Core Values:
CHRIST CENTERED ACADEMICALLY EXCELLENT STUDENT FOCUSED STRONG RELATIONSHIPS PARTNERING WITH PARENTS
Legacy's Leadership
BACK ROW: MR. DENNIS ZWIRCHITZ Advancement Director MRS. SARAH KLAWITER Director of Operations MRS. LYNDA DOMINO Admissions & Family Relations Director MR. NATHAN BELLEFEUILLE Athletic Director
FRONT ROW: MR. JOEL NYDAM PreK-4 Principal MRS. LIBBY MANION 5-8 Principal MR. JAKE MULVIHILL Head of School MR. ROBERT LYNN ATKINSON 9-12 Principal
2024-25 Teachers & Staff / AT-A-GLANCE
52 % 13:1 934 14 87 26 Full-Time Teachers with Master’s Degree Student to Teacher Ratio (Full-Time & Part-Time) Total Years of Instructional Experience Full-Time Teachers & Staff Part-Time Teachers & Staff Average Years of Instructional Experience
Service Awards /
20 YEARS Lynda Domino, Stacey Smitsdorff & Rebecca Lunderby 30 YEARS Carla Albinson, Dan Nelson
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GET TO KNOW / LEGACY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY
905 ENROLLMENT 2024-2025
AVG. CLASS SIZE
336 ADVANCEMENT DONORS PARTICIPATING IN THE ASCENDING TOGETHER CAMPAIGN $ 2,611,327 TOTAL GIVING (2023-2024) 623 2023 MANE EVENT REGISTERED RACERS 596 2024 GALA ATTENDEES 190 2024 SPRING GOLF SCRAMBLE PARTICIPANTS
COMMUNITY 10 PRE-K 20 K-4 TH 19 5 TH -8 TH 20 9 TH -12 TH 38 CITIES REPRESENTED 89 CHURCHES REPRESENTED
PRE-K // 85 STUDENTS K-4 TH // 320 STUDENTS 5 TH -8 TH // 248 STUDENTS 9 TH -12 TH // 252 STUDENTS
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ACADEMICS 21 COLLEGE CREDITS OFFERED ON CAMPUS 27 AVERAGE ACT SCORE FOR TOP 25 % 155 DIFFERENT COLLEGES LEGACY GRADS HAVE ATTENDED 61 HIGH SCHOOL COURSES OFFERED 23 ELECTIVES OFFERED
EXTRACURRICULARS 39 HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 88 % PARTICIPATION IN 9 TH -12 TH GRADE (2023-2024) 18 MIDDLE SCHOOL ACTIVITIES 89 % PARTICIPATION IN 5 TH -8 TH GRADE (2023-2024) 88 ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS 39 MSHSL STATE TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 6 MSHSL TEAM STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 4 MSHSL INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 84 ALL-STATE ATHLETES 14 BAND & CHOIR ALL-STATE AWARDS 35 PERFORMANCES (THEATER & MUSIC) PER YEAR 36 HENNEPIN ARTS' SPOTLIGHT AWARDS
WHERE DO OUR GRADUATES GO? 89 % COLLEGE 11 % MISSIONS, MILITARY, WORK, GAP YEAR
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CHRIST CENTERED
Grounded in Truth H igh school juniors and seniors in the required course Biblical Worldview are tasked with engaging a non- Christian in a conversation about faith. For students like Jake Hennessy '24, the assignment is exciting because it puts them in a spot where they must use the skills learned in Apologetics when defending their faith. Jake met with a family friend, a professed atheist and activist for atheism, to fulfill the assignment's requirements. Jake’s mother recalls the assignment, reflecting, “Am I throwing Jake to the lion’s den? And then I remembered, ‘He that is in me is greater than he that is in the world.’” Jake prepared evidence and arguments to support the Truth, knowing he would receive a lot of pushback, but his mother shared confidently, “Jake had been trained up by Legacy so that he could face the challenge of this conversation.” He prepared questions like, ‘If there is no God, can goodness exist?’ and ‘How did everything start?’ Jake shared that he prayed for strength and guidance before the conversation, and he experienced both. He felt confident and grounded in God’s Truth. My prayer was that this meeting was not just for his class, but showed Jake that he has what it takes in him to speak God’s Truth in a loving, caring, and respectful way that can turn the hardest heart.
ROCHELLE HENNESSY, A LEGACY PARENT
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GROUNDED IN TRUTH
LEGACY'S MODEL OF
BIBLICAL DISCIPLESHIP
SOLIDIFIED THROUGH EXPERIENCE
TRANSFORMED THROUGH RELATIONSHIPS
Transformed through Relationships Mentorship is key to life transformation, so Legacy's senior girls were given the opportunity to lead 5 th -7 th grade discipleship groups for the 2023-24 school year. Leaders had time to prepare each week during their designated high school Leadership Affinity Group time, and they were assigned a co-leader, much like Jesus’ disciples who were sent out in pairs. This experience was powerful not only for the seniors but also for the middle school students who benefited from their mentorship. Mya Borchardt ‘29 says, “It was really fun to spend time with senior girls and to try to be like them.” When asked if she wants to be a discipleship leader some day, Mya confidently says, “Yes.” Her response reflects the heartbeat of the Legacy discipleship model: develop pathways for disciple-makers through transformational relationships.
Solidified Through Experience Legacy’s inaugural senior mission trip to Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic, was more than just a trip—it was a profound experience that brought Legacy’s core value of being Christ-Centered to life. Over the course of a week, Legacy seniors were mentored by Student International missionaries, gaining hands-on experience in impactful service. From supporting nurses to a local baseball team, students were called to not only participate in occupational missions work but to share their faith in each unique setting as well. This mission trip was the embodiment of Legacy’s Discipleship Model: A student’s faith is solidified through experience. Legacy seniors became Biblical Practitioners, not just in theory but in action, as they built relationships, shared their faith, and served with humility. Ultimately, the mission trip was an opportunity for Legacy seniors to experience God’s call on their life to be faithful and courageous leaders.
During the week I learned to be more of a leader and step out in faith, and after coming back to the States, I found it easier to be a spiritual leader among my peers.
TYLER BERTRAM '24
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ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
From Classroom to Critic
T hrough Legacy’s strengthened writing curriculum, Addison Yelton ‘24 discovered her passion for critical review writing and earned a spot in the prestigious Hennepin Arts Critical Review Program during the 2023-24 school year. "I heard about the Critical Review Program through Mr. Wagner," she recalls. "He mentioned it as an opportunity for seniors, so I decided to apply. Only after submitting my essay did I realize how elite the program was." The Critical Review Program is highly competitive, accepting only three to four students from across Minnesota each year. Participants attend opening nights of Broadway shows at the Orpheum Theatre and write reviews within 48 hours. These reviews are critiqued by peers and professional writers, providing valuable feedback. When reflecting on her development as a writer, Addison explains, “I have always had the words when it comes to writing, but Legacy helped me hone the actual skill of writing. My teachers helped me figure out what was most important in my writing and how to communicate that clearly, which is exactly what it is like to write a play review.” Legacy's writing curriculum not only prepares students for real world writing but also equips them with skills that open doors to unique and competitive opportunities, demonstrating that our students are truly prepared to excel wherever they are most passionate.
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A Mission of Support
Last year, Legacy took a significant step forward by hiring Jodi Wolkerstorfer as the Academic Intervention Director, expanding the commitment to equip the mind of each student in a team that now includes a Reading Intervention
Specialist, a Math Intervention Specialist, and 5-12 Academic Intervention Support.
The effects of this growth was experienced immediately by parents like Lexi and Chris Larson, who came to the Academic Intervention team with a diagnosis for their daughter that caused fear and worry. This vulnerable challenge for Audrey and her family was met with Legacy’s commitment: every student is seen, heard, and valued as an image-bearer of God. And within months, Audrey was flourishing in a setting that she once struggled in daily. This transformation is no accident. Jodi Wolkerstorfer emphasizes, "Our goal is to support not only students, but also teachers, as they strive to truly include every student in their classrooms." Whether this means a student excels academically and needs more enrichment or needs support and strategies to focus, the Academic Intervention team provides tools for teachers and partners with students and families to overcome barriers in the classroom.
I don’t think that both Chris and I could feel as confident and protected as we do now without Legacy and the Academic Intervention team. We feel cared for, and not only us but Audrey, too.
LEXI LARSON, A LEGACY PARENT
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STUDENT FOCUSED
Building Biblically-Grounded Relationships A t Legacy, being student-focused means understanding and supporting the unique spiritual, social, and emotional needs of each student at every stage. To address this reality, the Elementary Student Life Coordinator and Counselor, Allyson Mancuso, designed the BGR curriculum, which stands for Biblically-Grounded Relationships, with the hopes of students discovering how God has designed them to be in community. Through carefully crafted lessons on communication and emotions, students learn to build relationships that reflect God’s love, laying the groundwork for deeper connections. In middle school, biblically-grounded relationships require time and intentionality, so their schedule was developed to include an Advisory block where students rotate through participating in competitive and fun community building activities and clubs, practicing relationship skills, asking big questions and hearing biblical responses, and even developing academic study skills throughout the week. High school took on a week intensive of closely examining their digital habits during the 2023-24 school year, a relevant area that impacts every student socially and emotionally. In both large group and small group discussions, students were challenged to think critically about the positive and negative effects of media and consider the Christian’s response while engaging with the world. At its core, Legacy desires students to experience the value of biblically-grounded tools for engaging with one another in community—tools that are both relevant and practical, whether in Kindergarten or their senior year of high school.
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Walking Worthy in Middle School
At Legacy, the heart of the middle school experience is captured in the call "We Walk Worthy." This vision, developed through a year of collaboration and prayer, encourages students to embrace their God-given identity and live in a manner that reflects their calling in Christ. This philosophy shapes every aspect of Legacy’s middle school. Recognizing the unique developmental needs of 10 to 14-year-olds, Legacy has thoughtfully designed its schedule to give students time to process and internalize what they learn. Ninety-minute class blocks allow for varied teaching styles, fostering peer interaction and deeper understanding.
where students are offered the freedom to choose and discover areas of interest, thus encouraging independence and a sense of ownership in their learning. From the new 5 th grade Camp Forest Springs trip where a biblical worldview can be boldly incorporated into environmental science to guest speakers in American Sports History and Criminal Justice electives, Legacy middle school students are exposed to new ideas, discover their God-given gifts and talents, and actively participate in making real world connections.
It's fun that you get to choose your own electives and decide what you want to be in. It's very educational.
Electives and exploratory learning experiences are another cornerstone,
MAKAYLA HART '30
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STRONG RELATIONSHIPS
D uring the 2023-24 school year, 543 student ‘How do we fulfill the mission of Legacy in an environment that looks quite a bit different from the regular school day?’ Their goal was for athletics to be an extension of the Christ-centered education students received in the classroom. The answer came in the form of piloting the Coaching for Transformation framework, which provides resources for coaches to develop intentional Game Plans that address the spiritual development of the team’s players. athletes registered for a Legacy sport. With such a significant student participation total, the Athletic Department committed to exploring the question, For players like Solomon Kardell '25, the implementation was tangible. Coaches at Legacy had always had a Christ-centered approach, leading devotionals throughout the season, but the volume was turned up when players were asked to take ownership in the spiritual development of the team. Through leading their own devotionals, player to player, Solomon experienced a new sense of spiritual unity on the team, as they looked to one another for prayer, encouragement, a source of joy, and even accountability. This transformation embodies the vision of Legacy athletics: to train disciples of Jesus who are courageous competitors for Christ. Coaching for Transformation
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Thank you for the addition of Deputy Anderson on campus this year. It’s a great peace of mind having him on campus as part of the team.
More Than a Deputy When Legacy introduced Deputy Mitchell Anderson as an onsite deputy in partnership with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office, it was more than just a safety measure and a priority for the Board—it became a pivotal moment for students like James Minks '24. Initially set on a career in aviation, James was inspired to explore law enforcement after meeting Deputy Anderson, asking questions, and experiencing a ride-along after graduation. Deputy Anderson’s presence on campus has been transformative. He’s not only ensured a heightened sense of security for our community but has also become a mentor, building strong relationships with students. Whether sitting with students at lunch or attending hallmark
JESSE WAGNER, A LEGACY TEACHER
student events like the Mane Event and Prom, his approachability and dedication have created an environment where students, parents, and staff feel both protected and inspired. "He helped me figure this path out," says James, now employed as a Community Service Officer with the Anoka County Sheriff’s Office—a decision he attributes to the impact Deputy Anderson has had during his time at Legacy.
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PARTNERING WITH PARENTS
A t Legacy, the commitment to individualized college and career readiness has been strengthened with the addition of a second school counselor. Mrs. Lunderby and Mrs. Key now work with half of the high school student population—126 students each—compared to the state average of 544 students per school counselor, according to the American School Counselor Association. The smaller caseload is an incredible asset for students and parents. From classroom presentations and online resources to one-on-one meetings with students and parents starting in 10 th grade, Mrs. Lunderby and Mrs. Key are available for any question, phone call, or email. A current senior at Legacy attests to this support, saying, “It is helpful to have people to go to with specific questions about college and the college planning process.” Legacy maps out the entire college and career journey so that parents and students feel supported as they navigate and discern what God’s call on their life might be in their next stage after graduation. Accessible Support for Students and Parents
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Parents can’t be in every place at once, but when your child is spending 40+ hours a week in someone else’s care or under their influence–that’s why I appreciate Legacy– the teachers and staff must be intentional about what that time looks like.
At Legacy, the growth of each student is truly a community effort. For Shawn Conway and his wife Keri, this approach has marked the experience for his two sons, Christian ‘23 and Kyle ‘25. Though both boys are uniquely designed and gifted, Shawn shares how the Legacy’s Commitment to Each Student “The partnership between parents and Legacy is about working together as a team to troubleshoot and problem- solve for each child’s unique needs.” This partnership has been an incredible blessing for the Conway family over the years—a partnership that will echo in the lives of his two boys forever.
SHAWN CONWAY, A LEGACY PARENT
mentorship that began in middle school shaped them into the young men they are today. Christian, now at Michigan Tech, felt not only empowered, but trusted, challenged, and supported during his time at Legacy, developing both his engineering mind and leadership skills. When Kyle followed, Shawn witnessed the same teachers and staff taking care to develop and mentor Kyle uniquely according to his strengths and interests. He reflects,
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STRATEGIC PLAN / UPDATE
Initiated in 2021, Legacy's 5-year Strategic Plan, Courageous Faith: Magnifying God’s Sovereignty, serves as a compass for decision- making and focuses on six initiatives that support Legacy’s mission of equipping the mind and discipling the heart
Grow in Spiritual Formation a Launched high school Leadership Affinity Group program a Increased school counselor hours and hired Student Life Coordinators for every division to invest wholly in the spiritual and leadership development of our students a Facilitated inaugural senior mission trip to the Dominican Republic a Created the training and structure for seniors to lead 5 th -6 th grade discipleship groups a Incorporated intentional instruction on biblically-grounded relationships (BGR) in elementary and middle school a Pilot teacher worldview professional development tracks while further integrating Legacy’s discipleship model in the classroom and student experience Deepen Our Academic Roots a Identified Essential Learning Standards for all grade levels to increase vertical alignment a Elevated Legacy’s Academic Intervention program by including an Academic Intervention Director, K-8 Reading Intervention Specialist, K-8 Math Intervention Specialist, and a 5-12 Academic Intervention Specialist a Expanded Legacy’s Innovation program from 2 nd -12 th grade to K-12 th grade a Enhanced college and career guidance program with increased opportunities and resources a Strengthened 5 th -12 th grade writing curriculum a Enhance 5 th -8 th math curriculum and student experience a Focus on the academic cohesiveness of Legacy’s PreK, elementary, middle, and high school programs by establishing more robust benchmarks for intended student outcomes for reading and math Wise Stewardship for Multi-Generational Change a Finalized a Professional Growth, Conversation, and Compensation model for staff salaries and benefits a Trained and implemented professional learning communities among teachers and staff a Partnered with Anoka County Sheriff’s Office to have a deputy onsite during school hours a Make intentional strides toward endowment growth by pursuing a multi-million dollar student scholarship endowment
of each student for Christ-like living.
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Missional Growth and Stability a Streamlined enrollment process for new and returning families a Enhanced admissions tours, screening, and interview process, especially for grades of key entry points a Incrementally increase enrollment size to 950 students with the New Academic Building a Complete ACSI re-accreditation during the 2024-25 school year a Redesign Legacy’s website toward prospective parents and the school app for current parents Master Site Plan with Phased Expansions a Completed the 2-year Ascending Together Campaign with commitments over $10.5M a Remodeled and expanded 10 elementary classrooms a Created the Academic Intervention Center and opened the new playground a Opened the New Academic Building with a designated space for middle school and 5 high school classrooms a Finalize Legacy’s master facility and site plan Middle School Identity a Hired a middle school principal a Offered new middle school electives and advisory program a Created a dedicated middle school space with the New Academic Building a Provide middle school students exploratory opportunities while starting to incorporate an interdisciplinary approach as a way of learning to reinforce essential concepts and address real- world problems
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CAMPAIGN / ASCENDING TOGETHER UPDATE Because of you, Legacy has far surpassed our 2023-24 goals in gifts
beyond all that we could have hoped or imagined! Your gifts elevated, expanded, and enhanced student experiences far beyond what tuition alone can provide. Thank you for impacting the life of a child and advancing the mission of Legacy Christian Academy.
FINANCIAL / RECAP
OFFICE, PROFESSIONAL SERVICES, TECHNOLOGY & ADVANCEMENT: $533,809
DESIGNATED FUNDS: $477,185
ATHLETICS, FINE ARTS, FOOD SERVICE, AFTER CARE: $893,854
MISCELLANEOUS INCOME: $226,023
STRATEGIC: $68,268
ENDOWMENT: $76,202
SALARIES & BENEFITS: $6,004,877
TUITION & FEES: $8,490,059
THE LEGACY FUND: $653,431
FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE: $1,251,175
ASCENDING TOGETHER BUILDING FUND: $1,404,510
REVENUE $9,609,936
GIVING $2,611,328
EXPENSES $9,228,090
ACADEMIC & STUDENT LIFE $1,369,961
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Opening the New Academic Building
T hrowing the doors wide open of a space that has been nothing short of a miracle is a moment worth celebrating. Because of the overwhelming success of the Ascending Together Campaign, our middle and high school students now thrive daily in the New Academic Building—a testament to faith, vision, and generosity. God guided generous hearts to give in abundance, making it possible for a groundbreaking ceremony in the spring of 2023 and the Grand Opening just one year later. The New Academic Building, a 3-story 29,000 square foot building, features a dedicated middle school space with 12 state-of-the art classrooms, additional classrooms for high school on the lower level, and the Innovation & Engineering Lab. a Launched the inaugural senior mission trip a Remodeled and expanded 10 elementary classrooms a Updated the Kitchen to accommodate our new lunch catering partnership with CKC Foods a Furnished the New Academic Building with furniture that enhances academic learning and social connections for middle school and high school a Supplied piano keyboards for the new middle and high school piano electives a Equipped Kindergarten classrooms with Chromebooks a Acquired new pole vault mats for Track & Field a Installed CNC Milling, CNC Lathe, waterjet, tools, and workbenches for the Innovation & Engineering Lab
The Legacy community generously gave to the Ascending Together
Campaign, far exceeding the goal of $10.5M, and instead committed a grand total of $10,635,353! What a blessing for our students!
As we reflect on this incredible achievement, we echo the words of the Psalmist: 'The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.' This area stands as more than just a building; it is a testament to God’s faithfulness. With gratitude, we step into this new space with laughter, joy, and a steadfast commitment to equip the minds and disciple the hearts of our students for generations to come.
2023-24 PURCHASES:
a Added a third van for extracurricular transportation a Provided dramatic play toys for PreK classes a Invested in portable sound system for school events a Introduced Haggerty Phonemic Awareness curriculum in Kindergarten a Enhanced middle school robotics and technology classes with a classroom set of iPads a Purchased 10 electronic Raspberry Pis for a hands-on Python coding experience in high school science labs a Made a Legacy education possible for others through scholarships and financial aid
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SCHOOL BOARD Letter from the Chair
SCOTT COLESTOCK // School Board Treasurer
THIS PAST AUGUST, as we moved our daughter into college, I found myself thanking God for Legacy Christian Academy. She experienced some of the highest of highs and the lowest of lows while she was a student at Legacy, but (with our Lord's help) the teachers, staff, administration, and fellow students supported her through it all. She was spiritually, academically, emotionally,
LYNNE RAATZ // School Board Secretary
and mentally prepared to enter adulthood, and my husband and I couldn't be more thankful for the education she received at Legacy. We are equally grateful for the experiences our two other sons are having at Legacy. Throughout the years, we have seen Legacy go through some of the highest of highs and some of the lowest of lows as well, but like our daughter, our Lord has been clearly present amid it all. We prayed daily for 500 students, and our Lord honored that. We prayed for financial stability, and our Lord honored that. We prayed for the new building to happen, and our Lord honored that—twice over (Building D and Building E). Our community has experienced significant blessings as we have continually prayed for our Lord's guidance. Legacy Christian Academy exists to equip the mind and disciple the heart of each student for Christ-like living. I love this mission; our Board is passionate about protecting and maintaining it. This is an essential but easy task because you will see a similar passion and commitment to the mission from our administration, teachers, and staff. I first experienced this dedication when we attended the Celebrate Legacy Gala in my son's first year at Legacy. Current Board member Steve Larson (who was serving as Head of School) shared a message about how important preserving the mission of Legacy is. I often remind the Board of the wise words he shared: "We are going to honor God's mission for Legacy. How can we expect God to bless Legacy if we stray from our mission." This was such a simple yet profound way of sharing our commitment to our students, teachers, staff, alumni, donors, friends, and community. Today, over a decade later, we remain just as committed to the mission and community experiences as the school I trusted with the care of our child fourteen years ago.
ALAN PUE // School Board Member
BEN MINKS // School Board Member
PEGGY SCOTT // School Board Member
EVAN SCHIEBOUT // School Board Member
DR. JEN NISKA / Board Chair
STEVE LARSON // School Board Member
JAKE MULVIHILL // Head of School
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ALUMNI FEATURE A Life of Mission and Aviation in Alaska
GRANT FRITZ ‘09 has found his calling at the intersection of aviation and ministry in the rugged landscapes of Alaska. Living with his wife, Hayley, and their six children in Palmer, Alaska, one hour north of Anchorage, Grant has made it his mission to serve the isolated villages of the Alaskan wilderness with the unique gift God has equipped him with—aviation. After graduating from Meadow Creek Christian School (MCCS/Legacy), Grant pursued a path in ROTC at Northwestern University–St. Paul. Commissioned as an Army aviation officer, he spent years moving his growing family between bases in Arizona, Texas, and Korea. By 2021, after feeling called to Alaska, Grant and his family drove from Texas to Palmer, a decision that marked the beginning of a new chapter.
Once there, God moved in miraculous ways to provide the resource Grant would need to use his gift of flying in Alaska—a plane. He met the Christian owner of an aviation company who granted him sole piloting of a plane, the exact model he had flown in the Army. Today, he flies commercially a few days a week and dedicates the rest of his time using that same plane to serve Praying Pelican Missions and other missionaries in village Alaska. "For everything you use your vehicle for, people use planes in these villages," Grant says, highlighting the unique logistical challenges of Alaskan life. He recounts stopping in ten villages in a single day of flying, picking up a doctor at one spot and delivering them in the next town over.
Grant and Hayley have also been on a journey of listening to Jesus and understanding what church is supposed to look like in their community. Their home has become a church for worship and discipleship, where families gather over meals, study Scripture, and pray together. Reflecting on his time at MCCS/Legacy, Grant expresses deep gratitude: "There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of something I learned from my time there." The mentorship and spiritual foundation he received continue to influence his life and mission today as he brings the love and joy of Jesus to the people of Alaska’s remote villages.
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55 GRADUATES 81 % SERVED ON MISSION TRIPS 6,000 + HOURS SERVING OR MENTORING 27 GRADUATED WITH HONORS (GPA OF 3.5 + ) 18 NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY MEMBERS 654 COLLEGE CREDITS EARNED THROUGH ONSITE PSEO 94 % EXTRACURRICULAR PARTICIPATION $ 3.7 MILLION OFFERED IN POST-GRADUATION SCHOLARSHIPS 58 DIFFERENT COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES 6 ALL-STATE RECIPIENTS 5 HENNEPIN ARTS’ SPOTLIGHT AWARDS 10 STATE TOURNAMENT APPEARANCES 45 ALL CONFERENCE/ALL CONFERENCE HONORABLE MENTION AWARDS 14 CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
CLASS OF 2024
Welcoming Adventurous Special Undaunted Joyful
Dedicated Admirable Consistent
Determined Bold Leaders
HOW THE CLASS OF 2024 DESCRIBED THEIR CLASS IN ONE WORD .
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MANE MOMENTS
14. Mr. Mulvihill and Mr. Nydam take to the air for the 269,185 minutes read during Legacy Loves to Read Month. 15. Elementary students spend time in intentional, structured prayer for one another during February. 16. PreK hosts their annual PreK Love Tea. 17. Band and Choir hit the road for a Florida Music Tour. 18. At the Duluth Regional Robotics Competition, the Legacy Robotics Team receives a grant from the Gene Haas Foundation, which encourages students to receive manufacturing technology training. 19. Jenna Kane ‘25 is accepted into the All- State Choir. 20. Both Boys and Girls Golf head to State.
7. The VFW recognizes two middle school students for their Patriot's Pen essay entries! Brooklyn Smith’s essay moves on to the District level of the competition. 8. Legacy Athletics are approved to move to the Skyline Conference for the 2025-26 school year and move to 2A in many sports as well.
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Legacy rolls out the orange carpet for Day 1! The middle school heads to the roller rink for an evening of fun!
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Students raise money for a bathroom at the Mata Gorda site in Jarabacoa,
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Dominican Republic, as well as a ping-pong table at the Student International base. 10. There’s Homecoming cheer across the entire campus for Homecoming week! 11. Sophia McConnell '24 is invited to play in the University of Northwestern High School Honor Band and is later accepted into the All-State Band. 12. Kindergarten celebrates their 100 th day of school! 13. 5 th Grade heads to Camp Forest Springs and 7 th -8 th grade experiences Camp Shamineau during the year.
3. Girls soccer makes it to the Section Semi- Finals at Esko and is an incredible witness on the field. 4. Tarzan: A Broadway Musical opens with aerial silks — a first in Legacy history. 5. Two seniors, Anna Stromberg and Raquelle Nelson, sign with Division 1 universities for basketball and golf.
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7 th Grade compare and contrast three different versions of The Christmas Carol including a performance at the Guthrie and consider what God says about their past, present, and future.
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3037 bunker lake blvd. nw andover, mn 55304 763.427.4595 www.lcamn.org
Profile of a Graduate
Biblically grounded, disciples of Christ
God-glorifying, Spirit-led worshippers
Intellectually prepared, accomplished learners
Morally disciplined, students of character
Faithful and courageous, servant leaders
Our Profile of a Legacy Graduate explains our desired student outcomes and as a result impacts the way we teach our classes, invest in our students, and make decisions. Legacy recognizes that achieving these outcomes in the lives of Legacy students is impossible without the commitment of the students and the help of the Holy Spirit. Legacy will partner with parents; create an academically
excellent, Christ-centered environment; provide opportunities for growth; and plant the seeds for God to transform and work in the lives of our students.
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