The Dean of Principals Retires!
If you were a student at Lutheran West in the early 80’s you would have most likely seen him teaching in a science classroom or on the field coaching one of the many great Lutheran West Leopard teams. Fast forward 40 years later and you will see him at Lutheran Westland writing the final chapter in his remarkable ministry in Christian education. Mr. Steve Schwecke, our longest-serving principal, will retire at the end of this school year after 41 years in our Lutheran High School Association.
Mr. Schwecke’s preparation for the ministry began in 1978 when he decided to enter the teacher education program at Concordia College, Seward, Nebraska. This was a significant move for a young man from Minnesota who was previously in the agricultural program at the University of Minnesota.
When Steve graduated from Concordia in 1980, he took a call to Detroit, Michigan to join the faculty of Lutheran High West. At Lutheran West, Steve taught science classes and coached several sports. His memories at Lutheran West include some outstanding football teams during his tenure as head coach.
Mr. Schwecke went on to receive his MA in counseling and administration from Eastern Michigan University. In 1989, after serving as a guidance counselor, Steve was appointed principal of Lutheran West.
He held this position until 1992 when he was asked to replace Ross Steuber as the principal of Lutheran High Westland. From 1992 to 2021 – a very distinguished career as the leader of our school!
The Lutheran High School Association has always been blessed by having great working relationships among the administrative teams and especially the principals of the schools.
As the longest-serving principal in our LHSA, Steve has become known as the Dean of the Principals. This is a title well-deserved and one he has held with distinction and honor! Principals in our LHSA have described Steve most often with the following attributes: Dependability, Endurance, Resourcefulness, Truthfulness, and Wisdom! He is always concerned about others above himself and has always been a faithful mentor to younger administrators.
One of those young administrators who worked closely with Mr. Schwecke was Dan Ramthun, who is now the Pastor at Guardian Lutheran, Dearborn. Pastor Ramthun comments:
"I enjoyed my 21 years working in the LHSA and for most of them, I was on the staff of Principal Schwecke! I learned many wonderful things from being on his team! He was a dedicated and faithful leader at Lutheran West and Lutheran Westland who always displayed such a work ethic and willingness to do whatever needed to be done in ministry. He truly has a servant's heart! He also has a wonderful sense of humor that not a lot of people maybe would see. He truly was a wonderful example to follow and learn from and I wish him God's blessings on his well-deserved retirement!"
Former superintendent Steve Meseke points out specifically Schwecke’s “ownership” of his role as the leader in the building.
“More than anything, he owned that position, took that position, and put his heart and soul into being a leader in the ministry of Christian education.”
Although his leadership qualities were noticed by several other Lutheran high schools, Steve declined opportunities over the years to become a principal elsewhere.
Rev. Dr. John Herzog was the superintendent through the ’90s up to his retirement in 2011 while Steve was principal. Dr. Herzog was always impressed with Steve’s work ethic, loyalty to his school, and attention to detail that allowed him to keep Lutheran West and Lutheran Westland focused on our mission.
Steve’s wife Shirley has also been a remarkable example of faithful service in the ministry of Christian education. Shirley has served at St. Michael Lutheran School in Wayne as well as Guardian - Dearborn.
While guiding the school as principal, Steve was blessed to be able to guide his three daughters through graduation at Lutheran Westland. Now years later, Steve will be blessed to be able to spend much more time with his family which includes Anna, Katie (Brian) Seymour, and Lauren (Trevor) Parish. And of course, granddaughters Nora and Ruby Seymour.
God’s richest blessings to Steve Schwecke and the whole Schwecke family!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 22, 2021
Warriors, please join us in thanking Principal Schwecke for 41 years of outstanding ministry in the Lutheran High School Association.
Light snacks and refreshments will be served courtesy of Lutheran Westland boosters, and there will be a brief recognition ceremony beginning at 5:15 PM.
Open House - 4:30 PM-6:30 PM
Recognition Ceremony - 5:15 PM
Lutheran Westland (Gym and Lobby Area)
33300 Cowan Rd, Westland, MI 48185