Valley Lutheran High School, Phoenix, AZ

Valley Students Experience Taiko Drumming in Japan

One of the most unique and unforgettable cultural experiences for our students was participating in a traditional Taiko drum lesson.

During the session, students:
• Learned four different Taiko drum patterns
• Practiced traditional performance techniques
• Demonstrated their new skills on the drums
• Experienced the energy and teamwork of Taiko performance

To make the experience even more memorable, each student received a special happi coat featuring the words “Nihon Kenshu 2026.”, which means Japan Study Program 2026.

Experiences like these allow our students to step outside their comfort zones, immerse themselves in another culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Valley Lutheran High School is hiring dependable, caring individuals to join our ministry team as Shuttle Drivers for the 2026-27 school year!

We currently operate three shuttle routes, two serving the West Valley and one serving the East Valley. Morning, afternoon, or both are the driving opportunities available.

This is a great opportunity to supplement your income while serving students and families in a Christ-centered environment.

For more information, contact:

Tim Gast
[email protected]
602-230-1600 x118

Valley Lutheran High School
5199 N. 7th Avenue
Phoenix, AZ 85013

🏀 Valley Lutheran High School is excited to welcome Coach KEENAN FRANKLIN as the new Head Coach of our Boys Basketball Program!

Coach Franklin brings a strong background in both playing and coaching basketball. He played collegiately at Rock Valley College, helping lead the program to its first-ever NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP, before completing his playing career and earning his degree in Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater.

Since then, Coach Franklin has coached in a variety of roles in Illinois and most recently served as the JV Head Coach and VARSITY ASSISTANT COACH at Liberty High School here in Arizona.

Most importantly, Coach Franklin’s love for Jesus, passion for mentoring young men, and commitment to the game of basketball make him an outstanding fit for Valley Lutheran.

Please join us in welcoming Coach Franklin to the Valley family! 🔥

Friendship Across Cultures

As part of their mission trip to Japan, our Valley students participated in a special Japanese calligraphy lesson led by Sekine-sensei. The kanji they learned was “tomo,” meaning “friend” or “friendship.” ❤️

As their final project, each student created a beautiful Japanese FAN featuring the kanji word "tomo" for friendship.

This meaningful symbol represents the growing relationship between:
• ULS and Nihon Kenshu
• Valley Lutheran High School and Christ Church Lutheran

What a powerful reminder that even across different languages and cultures, God creates connections that bring people together.

🎶 Join us for an evening of faith, fellowship, food, and worship at Valley Lutheran High School! Whether you're in high school, recent high school graduate or entering 9th grade, come spend the evening connecting with friends, sharing a meal, and worshiping together.

📅 Thursday, June 25
⏰ 5:30–7:15 PM
📍 Valley Lutheran High School
5199 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85013
Enjoy an evening of:
🤝 Fellowship
🍽️ Dinner
🎵 Worship

QUESTIONS: email one of our student hosts - Natalie --- [email protected] OR Leighton ----- [email protected]

Bring a friend and come as you are. We would love to see you there!

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Smiles, Songs, and First-Grade Joy

The day in Japan began with worship, followed by visiting three first-grade classrooms for a truly heartwarming cultural exchange experience. ❤️

During the visit:
• The Japanese students sang a song for our group
• Together, everyone sang “Jesus Loves Me” in both English and Japanese
• Students played games and spent time getting to know one another
• The classrooms were filled with smiles, laughter, and unforgettable first-grade cuteness 😊

Moments like these remind us that faith, friendship, and joy can connect people across any language or culture.

Valley Students in Japan

One of today’s highlights was visiting two second-grade classrooms where our students taught the Japanese version of Rock, Paper, Scissor. ✂️📄🪨

• Friendly competition quickly brought everyone together
• Lots of laughter and excited screams filled the classroom
• Also, the Japanese students practiced their English with Valley students
Questions included:
• “What is your favorite snack food?”
• “What games do you play in America?”
• Language barriers disappeared through simple fun and connection
• The cuteness level was absolutely top-notch 😊

Moments like these remind us that joy, kindness, and play are truly universal languages.

We’re rebuilding alumni connections, events, and traditions. Join us!