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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.