Orange Lutheran Online

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - MATEO AMBRIZ - this week we’d love to recognize Mateo Ambriz. This year Mateo has taken Spanish 3, Theology, and AP Comp Sci online. He’s an excellent student with a high GPA, all while competing on our OLu soccer team. Hear more about Mateo here and why he loves OLO - “My favorite part of taking classes through OLO has been the flexibility it has brought to my schedule. Taking online classes throughout the summer and during the regular school year have freed up my schedule in a variety of ways. The summer classes helped me get ahead of courses to create a manageable course load this year. Also, online classes have been able to free up my schedule to have extra time for trainings. During my time at OLu, I have served as a student leader on the Engage mentor program. One of my main involvements has been in the Boys Soccer program. During my time with the team, I have been a part of winning both the CIF-SS D4 and State-Regional Championships last year as well as being runner-ups for CIF-SS D1 and State-Regional this year. I also play soccer for my club team, Legends FC, and we are a highly-ranked ECNL team who have won prestigious tournaments such as Surf Cup multiple times. OLO has helped me manage my schedule effectively when traveling to compete in these tournaments, especially when going as far as North Carolina and even Spain. I’m very grateful for the understanding and support of my online teachers as well as the OLO advisors who have helped me navigate through my high school journey.” - Mateo you’re an amazing student athlete. We’re so stoked that OLO allowed you the flexibility in your schedule so you could succeed in academics and athletics. We can’t wait to follow your journey through college.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT- Makenna Milne. This week we’d love to recognize Makenna Milne. Makenna is a Blended 4 student who’s currently taking US History and Spanish 3 online, all while competing with the OLu stunt team and being a competitive diver. Makenna works hard to maintain her 4.0 gpa and is an excellent OLO student. Hear more from Makenna - “The thing I enjoy most about online classes is the flexibility it provides in both of my classes and is not very time consuming. It is helpful when I have to leave from school right away and go to practice to be able to complete it after and not have to stress about it.
I am a competitive elite diver who practices 5 days a week. In my short 2 years of transitioning from competitive gymnastics to diving I have successfully qualified for nationals, competed against some of the top divers in the nation, and traveled to texas and will be traveling to florida for competitions. With that being said, I have maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout my high school career including taking a few honors and AP classes. The flexibility of online learning allows me to focus on practice and has lifted stress off my shoulders because I am able to accomplish my homework as soon as I get home. Online classes also provide new opportunities in diving and help me progress and move closer to my long-term goal. I plan on competing in college, and the online classes have taught me to be disciplined, and have a good work ethic to stay on top of all of my work when I have a busy schedule.” Great job Makenna! We’re so proud to have you as an OLO student. Keep up the amazing work!

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TEACHER HIGHLIGHT - this week we’d love to give a huge shout out to Mrs. Kelly Rodriguez. Mrs. Rodriguez has been teaching for 20 years and been with OLO for 6. She’s an amazing teacher and loves helping her students succeed. Read more about her here - “I never thought I would be a teacher. But, God has bigger plans and His plans are GREAT. I have been teaching for 20 years this year. I actually was blessed to teach at my alma mater from K-12. It was so sweet to go back and serve at the school that served me and taught me how to love Jesus. I worked for 12 years as an English teacher, ASB Director and Vice Principal. And, then when I married the love of my life, we moved to San Diego. I have worked at my current school for 7 years now and the past four as Junior High School Principal. And, I love every minute of it. I have been at OLo for 6 years. I am currently OLo’s AP department chair and teach British Literature and Health. I have taught AP Literature, American Literature, World Literature, Writing Experience A/B and English 1. I have my BA in Journalism from Point Loma Nazarene University and my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction and Concordia University. When I am not teaching, I am with my family. I have one four year old daughter, Gigi who loves to play “My Little Ponies”, sing and dance and play board games. My husband and I both work for amazing churches and love serving the Lord, each other and our communities. Fun Fact? I have been best friends with Miss Neumann, OLu’s French teacher for 20 years. And, she is the best Auntie to Gigi.” - Mrs. Rodriguez thanks for all you do for OLO. We’re so blessed to have you on our team.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - FLETCHER STOEN - Meet Blended 1 OLO student Fletcher Stone. Fletcher currently lives in MN while taking our online courses so he can compete with the Buck Hill Ski Racing team and reach his goal of one day racing with the US Ski Team. Read more from Fletcher here. “ I really enjoy the flexibility of being able to go at my own pace every day and be able to get extra training in on the Hill. My teachers are really supportive and understanding in everything, and they have been great to talk to and to learn from. So far this year, I have really enjoyed Theology and French. I have started to understand scripture a lot more through journals and readings, which has been really good for me academically and just as a person. Through French class, I have been able to actually speak with people that I have met in Quebec, Colorado, and other places in the country where international races have been held. I feel very blessed that I have the opportunity to take online classes. It has been a game changer for me in sports and academics.
About future plans: I am hoping to Ski in college, and after that I would like to work towards joining the US ski team. I love doing school through OLU/OLO, and I am looking forward to continuing high school as a Lancer. I mainly compete in USSA races around the country, and I ski for the Buck Hill Ski Racing Team. After Winning a handful of races in my region last year, I was able to go out to Colorado for a race against the kids from the Rocky Mountain Division. I took 4th in the Slalom and 7th in the super G, and I qualified for the Can/Am race in Mont Tremblant, Quebec. I took 10th in that race, and it was an excellent experience where I got to meet great people. This year in USSA, I have won 1 race and taken 2nd in 2 others out of the four that I have done so far. My goal is to try to get a Top 10 finish in the U16 Rocky Central Junior Championships in Vail.
Aside from USSA, I also compete in MN high school Alpine racing, and so far this year our Varsity team is undefeated. We are hoping to make it to state and possibly win.” - OLO love’s supporting you Fletcher. Keep going!!!

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT - meet Mrs. Taylor Carrera. Mrs. Carerra has been with OLO since 2015. She’s amazing with her students and demonstrates her love for Art in all she does for all her online students. We’re so grateful for her. Please read more here - “I've been with OLO since 2015 and I currently teach Digital Photography, and AP Art History. In the past I've taught Video Game Design and Multimedia Design as well. Before I joined OLO I taught on campus as a long term substitute for Art, so I've been a part of the OLU family for almost ten years now! We lived in Orange County until 2020 when we moved to Marin County, just north of San Francisco. My husband is an OLu Teaching Alum as well! We have a 16 year old, 6 year old and twin 3 year olds so we're busy in all stages of parenting! All four kids are basically fish and live at the pool, swimming and playing water polo, so that's where we spend most of our free time. We love being involved in our local community and exploring Marin County.
I went to Bucknell University and majored in Studio Art and Art History. In addition to teaching at OLO I work as a Freelance Graphic Designer for an Event Marketing Company. I feel so blessed to be able to show students the future applications an education in art can have in the real world. It's such an amazing developing industry that is changing by the day, and this generation is lucky enough to be a part of some amazing advances in digital design! My favorite classes in high school and college were art and art history and I'm so lucky to have been able to turn it into a career and share my experiences with students. OLO is such a special place to teach and I'm so grateful for the years I've been here. I'm looking forward to many more years working with these fantastic students and teachers!” - you’re such a blessing to our school.

Discover your full potential with an Orange Lutheran education! Join us on January 16th, 2024, from 6pm - 8pm, and see firsthand how our commitment to the arts, dynamic student programs, and athletic achievements complement an education guided by Christian values. Reserve your spot now: https://lhsoc.schooladminonline.com/portal/public_calendars/showcase!

TEACHER HIGHLIGHT - LAUREN NEEDLE - We’re so blessed to have Mrs. Needle as one of our OLO teachers. Keep reading to get to know more about her ….

My name is Lauren Needle and am currently teaching AP U.S. History at OLO. Having graduated from OLU and Concordia University Irvine, I have strong ties to the Lancer community. Since earning my degree, I have taught at an elementary school, a Continuation High School, Orange Lutheran High School, home schooled(3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade), and been a private tutor for twenty years. With a Multiple Subject Credential, a Single Subject credential in Math, English, and History, and a Master's Degree in Education from Concordia University Irvine, I have thoroughly enjoyed teaching a variety of grades and subjects. For OLO, I have taught AP U.S. History, AP Gover

nment, AP Macro, World History, Economics, U.S. History, U.S. Government, Algebra, and Geometry. In 2020, I was honored with being OLO Teacher of the Year.
Being involved in my church has been especially meaningful to me. As the lead teacher in Sunday School to first graders for the last 15 years at Saddleback Church, I have been inspired by the children and their joy in the Lord. They truly have taught me more about childlike faith in Jesus than just reading the Bible alone ever could. Another ministry close to my heart is orphan care. I used to travel monthly to Tijuana to visit an orphanage where they truly taught me to be thankful for what you have. Even though I am the one serving these children, I have felt like they teach me more about faith, grace, and the love of the Lord than I could have ever imagined.
My husband and best friend Dustin Needle and I met at Cotillion in third grade and just reconnected a few years ago. He is a home theater contractor who runs his own business and helps me with all of my technology struggles. We have a beautiful 6 month old baby girl, Reagan, who is smart, loving, and makes us laugh everyday. We feel very blessed to have a growing family!

Some of my hobbies outside of my family include playing and watching sports. Since middle school, I have played volleyball and even traveled around Europe on a junior USA team where I won MVP of the tournament in London. After playing college volleyball at University of Redlands where I earned the honor of being a Captain, 1st and 2nd Team All League, Offensive Player of the Year, and MVP, I tried mastering other sports as well such as flag football and tennis. I played flag football for almost ten years and won the last three cash football tournaments, Offensive Player of the Year, and MVP of the League. Tennis is one of my newest sports, but I really enjoy any and all competition. Another passion of mine is to attend sporting events, especially USC Trojans and Anaheim Ducks games. My husband and I also love going to our house on the river. We travel to Lake Havasu also and love the boat life!

Jesus is the Lord of my life, and I continue to grow with Him and in Him. I love that I am able to share His love and grace with my students at OLO!

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - LIAM STOTTS - This week we’re featuring Blended 2 student Liam Stotts. Liam is currently a freshman at OLu and takes Theology, Digital Photo, English, and Spanish online. He’s an excellent student, works hard in our OLO office during his free periods, and is diligent about getting his work done to keep his high gpa. Outside of the classroom he’s dedicated to training hard for the OLu hockey team and being a great teammate. Here more about what he has to say about OLO. - “The OLO program has given me the flexibility to participate in the OLu hockey academy program. This allows me to practice hockey more hours during the school day, while giving me flexibility with when and where I complete my OLO work. Ms. Andrade, our hockey OLO advisor, is also amazing and helps us with any OLO questions we might have. I love the hockey program at OLu because they are like a family at school. It was an amazing experience to make the division 2 hockey team as a freshman, and all three teams have been welcoming, supportive, and become great friends.” His Mom writes - ““The rigor and support that OLO offers students is unmatched amongst online programs I have seen. The students are provided detailed feedback on assignments, and instructors are accessible through many means for students to get help if they need it. The OLO counselors provide excellent student support and are there to help them both on campus and via the OLO platform. It is an excellent program for students.” Liam, keep up the excellent work in the classroom and on the ice. We can’t wait to cheer for you this hockey season! .stotts

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - ALEXANDRIA LIM - This week we’d love to recognize Alexandria as our OLO student highlight. She is currently enrolled in our Spanish 4 and Theology course. She is an excellent student, with high honors courses, has been a member of both the basketball and lacrosse teams, is a member of several campus clubs, and the yearbook chief editor. Read more about how OLO helps her juggle it all. - “Online learning has allowed me great flexibility to complete my classes more efficiently and improve my independence and proactiveness. I have taken several of my classes online, like AP Macroeconomics, AP Government, Theology, and Spanish 3 and 4.

OLO courses have helped prepare me for college by developing my time management and communication skills, which are essential to my school leadership roles. I am Ambassador Co-President and Yearbook Chief Editor. I have been in Yearbook since 4th grade and helped my school win several awards, such as being featured in the Jostens Look Book and Josten’s San Diego Yearbook Camp nominations for coverages and spreads. I was nominated by my teachers for Leadership Development Academy and Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy. I have also played varsity lacrosse and basketball, winning CIF. I have a 4.5 GPA and have been recognized in High Honor Roll, National Honors Society, and California Scholarship Federation. OLO has let me utilize the ability to complete my homework and assignments ahead of time, giving me the time to participate in extracurriculars and leadership while maintaining strong academics. I am also able to take more classes in-person, since I have more free periods to fill.” - Keep up the amazing work Alexandria. We’re so proud of you!

FIRST RESPONDERS ACADEMY - our FRA enjoyed a field trip to the Orange County Fire Department.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - This week we’d love to recognize WYATT FIEDLER. Wyatt is currently a Blended 4 student and is taking our online Spanish 3 and Old Testament Theology course. Wyatt is also a member of the OLu baseball team. Hear what Wyatt has to say about OLO and juggling his busy baseball schedule. - “Having the option of online learning helps me with baseball on game days when we leave early from school. With the flexibility, I don’t fall behind in these classes because we have all day to turn in the assignments. These classes have benefited me on and off the field from getting more rest and I’m able to prepare for games or practices. I’m able to get extra training to help my performance to reach my goals and help my teammates in the hopes of winning each game. When we travel as a team, I’m able to get this work done, which leaves me more time to have fun with my teammates, rather than stressing or not completing work. Everything you need for success in these classes is one click away and the skills of managing between online and in person classes can help me prepare for college down the road.” - thank you Wyatt for being part of the OLO family. Keep working hard in your classes and on the baseball field.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - SHEA JOKO - This week we’re recognizing senior OLO student Shea Joko. She has taken our online theology, Spanish, and PE courses. She currently has a 4.40 gpa, all while killing it on the basketball team, as a back to back Champion! Here what Shea has to say about OLO - “I love having the option of online learning because it allows me to have flexibility within my schedule in order to succeed both academically and athletically. OLu’s online program has helped me succeed throughout my high school years. Academic Awards: -received High Honor Roll (4.0+ gpa) throughout every semester of my high school journey -Rooted Programs Communications Manager Basketball Awards: I’ve traveled to Alabama, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Ohio, Arizona, Texas, and other places to compete for basketball. -4 year Varsity starting point guard -2 CIF Championships -3 All League Awards -CIF Division 1 Player of the Year -CIF Division 2AA First Team The flexibility of online learning allows me to have extra time for basketball practices and trainings. I strive to go to a good academic college and I feel as if OLu Online has prepared me and set me up for success to be able to handle rigorous schedules in college. Without OLu online, it would be difficult to balance my schedule. I show much gratitude toward the OLO advisors as they are always willing to help guide me throughout my high school journey.” - Thank you Shea for being such a shining star on our campus. We love when you stop by the OLO office. Keep killing it! - .joko .rooted

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - Quinn Castellanos. This week we’re fired up to recognize Quinn. He’s currently a freshmen who’s dedicated himself to the new OLO First Responders Academy. His photos tell us how committed he is to pursue a career in helping his community. He works hard in both his on ground and OLO classes and is fully emerged in any extra events to educate himself and participate in learning more about what it takes to be a first responder. Quinn says - “As a freshman, I am enjoying the opportunity to be part of the first-year pathway program for First Responders Academy. Having the FRA courses online have been beneficial for me because it allows me to take all the classes I need to on campus, and still have time to work on the First Responders coursework on my own time. This is helpful because I have a long commute to school and activities after school. I am working on my Eagle Scout Rank, and I am Riverside County Sheriff Explorer. The FRA online courses are helping prepare for my future career in law enforcement by learning about Public Service and how it relates to society and public safety jobs. My FRA P.E. is helping me prepare physically for what is expected at the academy.” - if you’re wanting to hear more about our FRA, Quinn would be a great resource. We’re so proud of you Quinn and your commitment to serving your community.

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - This week we’d love to recognize Bethany Miyamoto. She’s currently enrolled in online Theology and Cybersecurity Essentials. She’s also taken our Criminal Justice and Nutrition course online. Bethany is an excellent student, has great work ethic, and currently has a 4.88 gpa. Hear more about what she has to say about our online program. - “OLO has been a great fit for me because it enables me to take tailor my academic experience to my personal interests at my own pace. I’ve been able to explore computer science through APCSA and cybersecurity at OLO while also participating in-person in the STEM and Art Pathways. My online teachers have been super supportive and understanding, which I’m especially thankful for as I juggle my college apps, school work, and extracurriculars.” Great Job Bethany! Keep up the excellent work!

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - GRACIE FORMSMA - This week we’d love to recognize Gracie for all her efforts as a Blended 4 student. Gracie is an excellent student, a member of the varsity tennis team, and one of the sweetest girls you’ll ever meet. Read more about why she loves OLO - “I am a blended four student at Orange Lutheran. I love the OLO program at Orange Lutheran because it allows me the flexibility to complete my assignments at my own pace. My online counselors and teachers have been so accommodating in helping me find classes that best prepare me for college and stay on track with my graduation requirements. OLO has allowed me to travel, participate on the varsity tennis team at OLU, and make the most of my high school experience by opening up my schedule during the school day. I am so grateful for the online program here at Orange Lutheran, as it has given me flexibility in my schedule and allows me to participate in the things I love most without missing class!” - Gracie, we pray you have an amazing senior year. We can’t wait to follow the rest of your OLu journey and where the Lord leads you next.

Welcome - new OLO Instructors for the 2023-2024 school year.

Mrs. Amat - Principles of Public Service. Mr. Robin Dugall - Theology 2 & 4. Lisa Fox - French 1. Miss Sarah Klinkenberg - Health. Mr. Ron Laursen - Fire Tech Basics. Ms. Monica Maher - Spanish 3. Mr. Mike Oseguera - Spanish 1.

We’re so blessed to have these amazing teachers join us this year!

STUDENT HIGHLIGHT - meet EVAN LOPEZ. Evan is a blended 4 student and currently competes on the OLu hockey team. He’s taking online Spanish and Theology to help manage his rigorous schedule with school, hockey, and travel. Hear what Evan has to say about online learning. - “OLO has been a big part of my academics these past 3 years and gives me the flexibility I need with my busy schedule, since I’m on the ice all the time. It allows me to get work done on my own time and work at my own pace which helps a lot. - keep up the great work Evan. We can’t wait to see you on the ice this season. .18

🏈 Tomorrow is the big night! OLu's Homecoming football game kicks off at 7pm at OCC, and we can't wait to join Marty in cheering on our Lancers as they face Sierra Canyon. It's the CIF-SS game of the week and can be watched on Bally Sports SoCal!

Alumni, come early for the Alumni Tailgate starting at 6pm in the south corner of the Adams parking lot and join us on the field at halftime for the alumni group photo. You can register for the Alumni Tailgate at www.lhsoc.org/homecoming

Let's go, Lancers!

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TEACHER HIGHLIGHT - our first teacher highlight of the 2023-2024 school year is Mr. Larkin. He’s currently teaching AP Comp Sci, AP Comp Sci Principles, and Cybersecurity Essentials. You can also find him around campus as a frequent substitute teacher and announcing OLu volleyball, soccer, and basketball. Be sure to look for him in movies, in TV shows, and commercials.

Hear more about him here. - AC Larkin is our AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, and Cybersecurity Essentials teacher starting his fourth year of teaching, and his second year at Orange Lutheran Online. He began his teaching career at Valley Lutheran High School in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Southern California last year to further his primary career, and life’s passion, acting.
While trying to get signed by an agent to do voice over work, he was told that he “should really give acting a try.” Two weeks later he booked his first commercial, and another two weeks later, he booked his first film. Now, as we wait for the Actors/Writers strike to end, you can find AC taking acting classes in Long Beach and North Hollywood. AC has been featured in the independent film Instant Karma, two films that have not been released yet, as well as several commercials, one of which ran nationwide and featured his inability to do yoga on a paddle board.
Being true to the actor stereotype, AC holds several side jobs that he does while not on the set. The most interesting of these is his work as a Public Address Announcer for sporting events. While in Arizona, he worked for Arizona State, Grand Canyon University, and several MLB Spring Training Ball Parks. Now in California, his primary work is with Orange Lutheran and California Baptist University while filling in at UC Irvine and UCLA. If you have been to an OLu Volleyball, girls Soccer, or Basketball game, you have likely heard is high energy voice keeping the crowd going. AC has experience working 13 different sports and hopes to announce at the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. On the family side of thing, AC lives with his wife of 22 years who doubles as OLu Spanish teacher Robin Larkin, and his 20-year-old daughter Kiersten who is a junior at Arizona State. While the family came together in Wisconsin where Robin is from, AC is originally from Flint, Michigan, where his extended family still

Thanks Mr. Larkin for all you do at OLu. You’re a blessing!