Sierra Lutheran working on new school campus

Cold temperatures and high winds didn't keep several hundred people from venturing outside on Sunday to celebrate groundbreaking for the new campus of Sierra Lutheran High School.

Sierra Lutheran, which has provided Christ-centered, college-preparatory secondary education for teenagers of the area since 2002, is planning to relocate from its temporary site on the former Bently campus in Minden, to a 38-acre parcel of land in north Douglas County.

Construction of the first phase of the new campus has started, with tentative plans calling for occupancy in December 2009.

Included in phase one are science and computer laboratories, classrooms to accommodate 150 students, an administration complex, and an expansive gymnasium with a seating capacity for 800 people.

In addition to contributions received from local individuals, churches and organizations during the school's capital campaign, the Church Extension Fund of the California-Nevada-Hawaii district of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod is providing funding for the endeavor.

Miles Construction will build the facilities as designed by the Reno architectural firm of Sheehan, Van Woert and Bigotti.

This permanent campus for Sierra Lutheran High School is located just east of Highway 395 off North Sunridge Drive.

"For some, it's easier to say we'll be located next to Hilltop Community Church, and immediately south (up the hill) from the new East Fork Fire Station," Sierra Lutheran Executive Director Norm Brauer said. "In addition to having spectacular views in all directions, this is an ideal location in the heart of the area's population. Families seeking both a college preparatory education, and an environment where teenagers can continually grow in their understanding of Scripture and in their personal relationship with the Lord, will find this new site to be easily accessible from all directions.

"Whether young adults reside in the Carson Valley, Carson City, Lyon County, or even up around Lake Tahoe, this campus will be centrally located for all."

Since the fall of 2002, Sierra Lutheran has grown from 23 students to 72. That includes a 40-percent enrollment growth the past year despite economic challenges facing families.

"During tough times, it appears as if families are prioritizing what is truly important to them, and making sacrifices accordingly," Brauer said. "These are, arguably, the most formative years of life for youngsters. Think about it. College preparatory education, in a setting where young adults will develop spiritual, moral and ethical values for the rest of their lives while engaging together in extracurricular sports and the other activities appealing to teens, is an investment Christian parents are eager to make.

"A realization that teachers and coaches are highly trained, dedicated men and women of God, and that their teen will be surrounded by other youngsters from faith-based households, furthers their commitment. What greater opportunity can you give your son or daughter before they embark upon their adult lives?"

Students from 19 different area churches currently attend Sierra Lutheran. Due to space limitations at the current site, enrollment in 2009-2010 will need to be limited to approximately 80 students. Since 66 teenagers have already been accepted into next year's student body, families who wish to consider applying for enrollment are encouraged to do so before waiting lists will need to be established.

Call 782-0060 for further information.