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In this edition, we are celebrating the core value of Lifelong Learning, this idea that we are never done growing and learning, being transformed by Christ, and developing new skills and talents. Generations of students have developed a love of learning through their time at LM, and it has been especially meaningful to see alumni choosing to give their own children the opportunity to learn and grow at LM as well. In fact, some families now have third and even fourth generation students! We selected a few of these families to share their reflections on how LM has shaped them and why they wanted their children and grandchildren to also become lifelong learners here.
FOUR GENERATIONS OF KREIDERS
JOHN KREIDER ‘82 grew up as a farm kid who loved school. He admits that studies perhaps were not at the top of his priority list, but in his time at LM, he was given responsibilities that developed character and talents that shape his daily experience. He also developed deep friendships that have lasted to this day. Even now, a group of 16 couples that were students at LM together, gather monthly for dinner, friendship, discernment, and lots of laughter.
John’s four children attended Locust Grove and LMH, and now two of his grandchildren are current students at LM, making them the 4th generation in this Kreider line to attend the school. John shared that LM reinforced the values and faith that his parents, JOHN ’47 AND BETTY (BOOK) ’52 KREIDER were modeling for him and instilled a faith foundation in his own children that have influenced their choices and values as adults. As he thinks about his lifelong friends from LM, John is excited to think about the friendships his grandchildren are starting now in PreK and 1st grade that will impact them the rest of their lives.
When reflecting on the core value of Lifelong Learning, John shared about his service through the Witmer Fire Company, which he has been a part of since high school. Now the president of the fire company, John fights fires and does fire prevention training for students in a variety of schools. He said, “Things were so different when I first started fighting fires. We’d drive down Rt 30 hanging off the back of a truck. I’d never do that now! But I go to ‘school’ twice a month to learn about how new building materials affect the way fires burn, how technological advances like safety equipment and electric cars require different awareness, and so much more. In fire fighting, learning is life or death.”
THREE GENERATIONS OF HORSTS
GERRY HORST ‘65 attended LM for 11th and 12th grade. He remembers faculty Myron Dietz and Arnold Moshier as influential in those years, and named that relationships with classmates were one of the most lasting things he received from LM.
After attending EMU and Goshen College, he and his wife Linda returned to Lancaster and decided to send their three children to Lancaster Mennonite. They wanted their kids to experience the community and camaraderie that he had at LM, and also named the Anabaptist peace position as something that is very important to teach.
Now a successful home builder, Gerry works closely with his son KYLE ’98 in the family business, Horst & Son Home Builders. Kyle and his wife MARTA (WISSLER) ’98 now have daughters in 5th and 8th grade at LM. Kyle’s experience is that, “the teachers really care and are attentive to each student’s needs.”
One way Gerry continues to learn is by adopting new hobbies. He has gotten into biking as a way to remain active and has found it to be something he really enjoys, which is clear by the 5,000+ miles he biked last year!
THREE GENERATIONS OF LEAMANS
NANCY (GEHMAN) LEAMAN ‘68 looks back on her time as a student with fondness and gratitude. She deeply valued the growth that came from living in the dorm and the Bible teaching and chapel which set LM apart from her prior public school learning.
She also developed a love of learning about culture and history through travel. Nancy reflected that, “now, many years later, my husband John and I enjoy planning tours to various countries and building bridges of peace through meeting people around the world.”
Nancy and John enrolled their children at LM, “because of my positive experience with Christ-centered education and my own spiritual growth. Each one of our children have had outstanding opportunities in leadership, spiritual growth, classroom learning and interaction, and lifelong friendships. Encouraged by their teachers, they were each motivated and inspired to continue their education into college and graduate school.”
She goes on to say that, “we are extremely blessed to again be ‘back on campus’ through the lives of our five grandchildren who are excelling in the fresh new programming and leadership at LM. The Spanish Immersion Program is equipping young students to reach out beyond their English language and to learn of other countries and cultures. In a recent visit to Colombia, several of our grandchildren were able to engage in conversation with new Spanish speaking friends. I am truly grateful for lifelong lessons and opportunities our children and I have experienced through these many years and that our grandchildren are now thriving in their own journey of education at LM.”
