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The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is proud to announce that Dee Leible has been awarded the Lutheran Education Association’s (LEA) Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher Award for 2025—the second LESA educator to receive this honor in two consecutive years.  Leible received her award at the LEA Convocation at the St. Louis America’s Center in October.

Leible currently serves as the fifth-grade homeroom teacher and seventh-grade math teacher at Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS). She also was the lead teacher for the fifth–eighth grade Youth Coding League. She holds a bachelor’s degree in education from Concordia University Nebraska and a master’s degree in mathematics education from the University of Missouri.

A devoted educator admired by colleagues, students, and families, Leible’s nominator praised her teaching, saying, “Mrs. Leible’s students thrive under her teaching. She incorporates technology and experiential learning extremely effectively in her math classes. She challenges students in wonderful ways, and her students work hard and learn a great deal. Mrs. Leible is a superstar teacher—bottom line!”

A supporting parent shared, “What stands out most about Ms. Leible is how everything she does—every conversation, every lesson, every task—reflects that Christ is at the center of her life. Her faith is the foundation of her teaching and guides how she interacts with students, families, and colleagues.”

Her pastor added, “Mrs. Leible is strongly committed to serving Jesus in the classroom and within our congregation. Her students benefit from her servant leadership and heart. She speaks God’s love through the subject she loves—math.”

Leible describes her teaching mission as, “To glorify God by serving with a heart of humility, nurturing students’ curiosity, and guiding them to grow in knowledge and faith. I strive to cultivate a classroom where faith, learning, and love for others flourish—all for the glory of God.”

The 2024 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher Award recipient was Kevin Rudzinski of St. Paul’s Lutheran School in Des Peres. With 27 years of service in Lutheran education, Mr. Rudzinski teaches middle school science, math, and STEM. He holds a B.A. in secondary education (Biology, Mathematics) from Concordia University Chicago and an M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction in Natural Science from the University of Missouri–Kansas City.

In support of Rudzinski, his administrator shared, “Mr. Rudzinski is an outstanding middle school teacher of science and math. He is blessed with much knowledge in these content areas. When I have witnessed him teach, I am amazed that he is able to take his vast knowledge and teach it in a way that is understandable to middle school students. He brings the content to life for his students and makes it meaningful for them. I believe he does a tremendous job teaching the material and challenging the students in his classroom. The evidence for this is that several high school students have mentioned to me that they are very prepared for high school, more than any of their classmates. I cannot think of a better compliment for his teaching!”

About LESA
More than 9,700 children attend LESA-member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 38 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.LESAstl.org.

The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is proud to congratulate four Principals on completing the Principal 360 program — a comprehensive, year-long training and development initiative for school administrators.

Congratulations to Lisa Waltenberger, Principal, Green Park Lutheran School; Dr. Yvonne Mackey Boyd, Principal, River Roads Lutheran School; Megan Deines, Principal, St. Mark’s Lutheran School; and Dr. Doug Kuhlmann, Executive Director, Lutheran High School St. Charles/St. Peters.

These dedicated leaders completed five rigorous courses covering Leading a Successful School in the 21st Century, Academic Excellence, School Finance, Recruitment and Marketing, and Innovation in the Lutheran School.

These individuals have demonstrated tremendous hard work and dedication in transforming their schools into stronger, more vibrant communities. Through the program, they have been equipped to build healthier school cultures centered on a clear mission, vision, and set of values.

A key focus of the program was the development of advanced emotional intelligence—a skill proven to enhance leadership effectiveness. Research shows that leaders with high emotional intelligence are more likely to foster positive team dynamics, reduce workplace conflict, and increase employee retention.

LESA’s mission is equipping families, Lutheran schools, and faith communities for dynamic, Christ-centered education. LESA salutes these four administrators for their work to continue to educate themselves to lead their ministries well.

About Principal 360: Principal 360 is an intensive 11-month leadership development program powered by the Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation (CLEF). Culminating in professional certification, the program equips Lutheran school principals to become visionary educational leaders skilled in strategic planning and innovation. Principal 360’s mission is to empower urban Lutheran schools to deliver high-quality, Christ-centered education through inspired and forward-thinking leadership.

ST. LOUIS, MO — The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is proud to announce that Melissa Bergholt, Principal at Word of Life Lutheran School, has been honored with the Jane and Mel Kieschnick Urban Education Leadership Award. The award, presented by the Center for Urban Education Ministry (CUEM), recognizes outstanding leadership and a steadfast commitment to Christian education in an urban setting.

Mrs. Bergholt has been an educator for nearly 25 years, including the past 12 years at Word of Life. She has served eight (8) years as Principal.  In addition to her current role as principal, Mrs. Bergholt has taught 6th and 8th grade homeroom, middle school math, and science. Known for her dedication to student success, she works tirelessly to ensure her students grow both academically and spiritually.

CUEM recognized Mrs. Bergholt for transforming Word of Life into a thriving multicultural environment for faith-based learning. She has implemented three key strategies to strengthen cultural inclusion and support for students and families:

• Creating staff positions to help immigrant students and their families successfully navigate school life at Word of Life.
• Providing professional development for staff focused on breaking down cultural barriers and fostering inclusivity.
• Offering cultural learning opportunities for students both in the classroom and through schoolwide cultural appreciation celebrations.

Through these initiatives—and by building partnerships with multiple churches and community organizations—Mrs. Bergholt has helped Word of Life grow into a vibrant school community representing students from 15 different countries.

As part of this recognition, Mrs. Bergholt received a special certificate and a $1,000 award from CUEM.

Mrs. Bergholt exemplifies LESA’s mission to equip families, Lutheran schools and faith communities for dynamic, Christ-centered education, and LESA celebrates her ministry to Lutheran schools.

About the Center for Urban Education Ministry (CUEM)

The Center for Urban Education Ministry (CUEM) is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to “relentlessly strengthen urban education.” Guided by its core values—Christian, Collaboration, Celebration, and Commitment—CUEM provides professional development, resources, and recognition for outstanding educators who embody these principles in their work.

About LESA
More than 9,700 children attend LESA-member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 38 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.LESAstl.org.

L to R: 1. Laura Montgomery—LESA Director of Educational Resources; 2. Kayla Ridgeway—Second Grade, Zion Lutheran School–Bethalto; 3. Sarah Koch—Principal, Zion Lutheran School–Bethalto.

ST. LOUIS, MO — The Lutheran Elementary School Association (LESA) is proud to announce that Kayla Ridgeway, a second-grade teacher at Zion Lutheran School Bethalto, has been named the recipient of LESA’s 2025 Teacher of the Year Award.

Each year, LESA honors one exceptional Lutheran school teacher in the St. Louis metro area who demonstrates excellence in teaching and a deep commitment to faith-based education. Ridgeway was nominated by her principal, Sarah Koch, who praised her as “an extraordinary second grade teacher whose passion, creativity, and dedication make a profound impact on her students and her school community.”

Ridgeway has taught second grade at Zion Lutheran for five years, bringing learning to life through imaginative lessons, hands-on activities, and innovative strategies that engage every child. Her dedication extends beyond the classroom, inspiring both her students and fellow educators.

On September 24, Ridgeway received the award during her school’s chapel service. In addition to LESA’s Teacher of the Year honor, she also received the 2025 Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award. Ridgeway will be formally recognized at LESA’s annual Dinner-Auction on March 6, 2026.

About LESA

More than 9,700 children attend LESA-member Lutheran schools in the St. Louis Metro Area, making Lutheran schools the second-largest private school system in the Bi-State area. A Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, LESA represents 38 elementary and high schools and five related agencies. For more information, visit www.LESAstl.org.