FALL 2025
Sharing Faith in the USA and Abroad
Being a student at FVL means surrounding yourself with opportunities to serve the Lord. For some, these opportunities include mission fields both in the United States and abroad. Read on, as some faculty and students reflect on their experiences with a summer IMPACT trip to North Carolina and the Meros Center research trip to Uganda.
Jacksonville, North Carolina
FVL IMPACT trip in July, 2025
Four students and one teacher participated in an IMPACT trip to North Carolina in July 2025. Despite the steamy weather, the group partnered with Ascension in Jacksonville, NC to provide outreach for a potential new church startup in Wilmington, NC.
Throughout the week, they engaged in a variety of ministry opportunities including worship, participating in a “Starting Point” conversation for newcomers, and attending a life group. They also connected with the community through a video game night and spent intentional time talking with strangers and inviting them to church. The culminating activity of the week was organizing a food drive for NourishNC in which almost one thousand pounds of food was collected. Each activity reflected a heart for service and a desire to build meaningful relationships that point others to Christ.
by Aleah Friemark
Mukono, Uganda
Meros Center trip in June, 2025
As a team of Meros interns, our objective was to put into practice the lessons learned through our Community Health Ministry Certificate in Uganda. We visited churches and schools where the children greeted us with beautiful welcome speeches, lots of joy and laughter, and plenty of time for photos. There, the team was able to gather data to inform a faith-based youth education program, and we were able to see how the pastors and churches have an impact on the community. The information collected will help develop and strengthen church programs within the local communities.
We also toured a local Christian hospital and learned about its values and the resources they had available. The head nurse that gave the tour emphasized the importance of a Christian outlook on care.
This experience offered us rich insights into Uganda’s diverse cultures. Participating in the research efforts reshaped our understanding of health and wellbeing, particularly within the African context.
by Evelyn Hanman, Jonah Toppe, Hannah Uhlenbrauck, and Jack Friemark (all members of the Class of 2025)
BALLFIELD UPGRADES
Due to donations received over the summer, we were able to begin construction on the ballfield project in late September. Those include: storage and first aid, a new JV softball field, turfing the V softball infield, and turfing the V baseball infield. Of the 13 priorities for this project, 3 of them hope to be completed by mid-November, with the JV softball field completed, but not playable until spring 2027.
Click below for details on these and all of the project priorities.
WELS NATIONAL CHORAL FEST
WELS National Choral Fest
On November 7-9, the FVL campus will host over 570 student singers from around the country. Choirs from 23 WELS high schools will join their voices together to showcase their God-given talents in a weekend of rehearsing and performing choral music.
- The festival features two public performances: a Pops Concert on Friday at 7:00 PM and a Sacred Concert on Sunday at 2:00 PM. Both performances are open to the public, and both will be livestreamed.
2025 CHRISTMAS PARADE
The 54th annual Appleton Christmas Parade will be held on Tuesday, November 25. FVL and FVL Schools are again promotional sponsors of the event for the 11th straight year. This has been an excellent opportunity to share the ministry of our schools with viewers across NE Wisconsin. Head downtown to watch the parade live or watch from the comfort of your home live on November 25, with repeat broadcasts on November 27 at 9:00 AM, November 29 at 11:00 AM, and December 25 at 3:00 PM. Watch for our commercials and representatives as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world.
FVL GIVING DAY 2025
FVL's Giving Day was on September 16. This once-a-year event supports FVL's Christian education ministry by helping the FVL Federation meet its annual Let the Children Come mortgage payment.

The goal of this drive is to meet the $475,000 mortgage payment due every October 31, which includes quarterly interest payments. Once again, the outpouring of financial support has demonstrated how blessed this ministry is. Giving Day contributions met our goal of $190,000, which was matched dollar-for-dollar. Watch for a full Giving Day update in mid-October, including final totals and progress on our bond payments. Thank you for your support in donations and in prayers!
CALLING ALL 8TH GRADERS—AND PARENTS TOO
FVL's annual 8th Grade Welcome Night will be Monday, October 20, from 5:00-7:45 PM and will feature a DJ, games, pizza, inflatables, and plenty of opportunities for 8th graders from across the Federation and community to hang out.
Parents, we've prepared multiple 20-minute sessions for you to learn about the school and to get your questions answered. Light refreshments will be available between sessions. Details and registration are at fvlhs.org/8GWN.
Class scheduling nights for the Class of 2030 will be Tuesday, November 4 and Thursday, November 13 from 4:00-6:00 PM. Scheduling appointments will be available following the completion of the FVL online application, which is at fvlhs.org/enroll.
FACULTY/STAFF UPDATES
FVL welcomes twelve new faculty and staff. We thank God for the work done by those who retired, moved, or transitioned to other employment.
New Faculty
This year we welcome Mr. Darin Stewart as our new Athletic Director and Mr. Jonathan Favorite as our IT-Network Engineer. In the classrooms, we also welcome Miss Madeline Lange (English), Mr. Jesse Nofftz (social studies), and Mrs. Jennifer Vik (math).
New Staff
Mr. Charles Flunker is now working as our on-site substitute teacher. Mrs. Katie Friemark is the new Study Hall Supervisor. Mrs. Elizabeth Molitor has joined the Student Services team as a Guided Study Hall supervisor. Mrs. Charissa Kunstman is assisting in the Media Center. Mr. Michael Reick has joined our team of custodians. Mrs. Mary Robinson works part-time in the School Office, and Mrs. Julie Sieg is our AD Assistant.
FVL Schools
Additional new faces on campus include Mr. Phil Punzel, the Executive Director of FVL Schools, and Dr. Kari Muente, the FVL Schools Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Director.
We pray the Lord blesses the work of all these individuals as they serve God and this school.
SCRIP SAVES FOR TUITION
SCRIP is a simple way to help FVL’s Tuition Assistance program and to cut costs on your student’s tuition. Buy and use SCRIP gift cards for your usual purchases—groceries, restaurants, gas, retail stores, and more. With each SCRIP purchase, you build your cash rebate (amount varies for each participating business). More than 285 families received over $106,000 in tuition credit for the 2025-26 school year by using SCRIP! Additionally, FVL was the 3rd highest earning school in the Raise Right scrip program.
The SCRIP Office is typically open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday during the school year. Please check the online calendar for specifics. Get SCRIP updates and tips on the FVLHS News app.
DINNER AUCTION APRIL 17
Mark your calendars for an evening of food, games, and spirited bidding—all for a good cause! This year's theme is "The Great Outdoors." Join us on Friday, April 17 at the Hilton Appleton Paper Valley for the 23rd Annual FoxFest Auction—a night filled with hearty eats, camp-style fun, and plenty of laughter. The live and silent auctions will feature treasures you won’t want to miss, and every bid helps open doors for students in need. All tickets will be sold in advance. No tickets will be available at the door.

Think of it as a trip into the Great Outdoors—minus the bugs, plus great company and a warm community spirit. So grab your friends, bring your adventurous side, and come ready to support our student tuition assistance needs in the most enjoyable way possible. Watch for more info in February.
Plan to attend the next FoxFest on Friday, April 17, 2026!
FVL THEATRE PRESENTS - ARSENIC & OLD LACE
A killer comedy is brewing on the FVL stage! Get ready to meet the sweetest little old ladies you've ever seen…who just happen to have a deadly hobby. Throw in a love-struck drama critic, a bugle-blowing brother who thinks he’s Teddy Roosevelt, and another brother who looks suspiciously like Frankenstein's Creature, and you’ve got one outrageous evening!
Join us for our production of Arsenic & Old Lace by Joseph Kesselring—a madcap comedy where murder meets manners, and laughter is practically guaranteed. Don’t miss it—this show is to die for!
Get tickets at the door or online at fvlhs.org/arsenic
- Friday, October 24 at 6:30 PM
- Saturday, October 25 at 6:30 PM
- Sunday, October 26 at 2:00 PM
FINANCIAL FOCUS
Praise the Lord for the thousands of generous supporters whose gifts of prayer, time, talents, and treasures have blessed FVL during the 2024-25 fiscal year!
- Congregation offerings were just short of the budgeted amount of $1,140,000. Thank you to our congregations for their support which helps to offset Federation student tuition!
- Recognizing that the 2024–25 budget would be close to flat, we took a measured approach to operational spending over the past few months. This careful stewardship enabled us to finish under budget by approximately $35,000, or 0.3%. We are grateful to our faculty and staff for their thoughtful and prudent decision-making.
- The FVL Foundation has a goal to reach $6,000,000 in assets by the end of 2025. With consistent support to the high school, we may not meet that particular goal by the end of the calendar year, but we still would love to prioritize this fund for the long-term health of our ministry! The August balance was nearly $5,700,000. Contact Director of Mission Advancement Tom Mielke at 920-560-5107 to support this effort.
AROUND SCHOOL
Another Record Enrollment!
FVL opened its doors to 831 students. This is an increase of 76 students (nearly 10%) from the May 2025 enrollment of 755.
2025-2026 Enrollment
- 228 - Class of 2029
- 207 - Class of 2028
- 177 - Class of 2027
- 219 - Class of 2026
- 831 - TOTAL
School Choice Update
This year, FVL welcomed almost 300 students who are part of the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (WPCP). Participation in WPCP increases on an annual basis due to most FVL Schools partners being in the program.
International Program
FVL is welcoming 46 international students (27 new to campus) from 9 countries. These students will have the opportunity to learn of Jesus and discover American culture. Thanks to our host families for making this possible!
Veterans Day at FVL
FVL will mark its annual observance of Veterans Day on Tuesday, November 11. Go to
fvlhs.org/news for details and a registration link.
Free Seminar November 11
How can you ensure that your generosity makes a lasting impact? FVL will host a free financial seminar called Building Your Legacy Blueprint: Estate and Wealth Strategies that Matter. Join us at 6:00 pm on November 11 in the Fine Arts Room at FVL (Door L). Find information and link to RSVP online at fvlhs.org/seminar.
Musicfest February 1
Musicfest, our annual celebration of student musical talent, will feature student groups, individuals, and small ensembles. Guests can enjoy entertainment, socializing, and homemade desserts. Event funds will be raised to benefit FVL's music programs. Details and donation options will be shared on fvlhs.org/news when they are finalized.
Getting Your FVL News?
The FVL BEACON, Legacy magazine, President's Report, and Fox Tales can all come directly to your email. Complete our online subscription form at
fvlhs.org/subscribe, and you will receive an email when those publications are posted.
CALENDAR
SATURDAY, October 11
1:30-4:00 PM
Daddy/Daughter Dance
SUNDAY, October 12
1:00 PM
FVL Sacred Concert - FVL Bands and Choirs in the FVL Chapel/Auditorium
Livestream on YouTube
MONDAY, October 20
5:00-7:45 PM
8th Grade Welcome Night
FRIDAY, Oct. 24 at 6:30 PM
SATURDAY, Oct. 25, at 6:30 PM
SUNDAY, Oct. 26 at 2:00 PM
Fall Play: Arsenic and Old Lace
Info and tickets at fvlhs.org/arsenic
FRIDAY, November 7
7:00 PM
WELS National Choral Fest Pops Concert
SUNDAY, November 9
2:00 AM
WELS National Choral Fest Sacred Concert
TUESDAY, November 11
8:30-10:30 AM
Veterans Day Event - Registration deadline October 30
Info and registration at fvlhs.org/news
TUESDAY, November 11
6:00 PM
Building Your Legacy Blueprint Seminar
Info and registration at fvlhs.org/seminar
THURSDAY, November 13
6:30 PM
FVL Bands Concert
THURSDAY, November 20
6:30 PM
FVL Schools Band Concert
TUESDAY, November 25
7:00 PM
Appleton Christmas Parade
SUNDAY, December 14
2:00 PM
FVL Choirs Christmas Concert
Get Your FVL News
We are excited to offer familiar publications in an easy-to-read and convenient online format. Whether it's the BEACON, the Legacy magazine, or the President's Report, it can come directly to your email.
Complete the online subscription form to receive an email when your selected publications are released.
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