Mr. Duensing graduated in 1991 from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with endorsements in History and Theology. He continues his graduate work in Educational Administration through Concordia University, Wisconsin.
   Prior to coming to Christ Our Rock, Mr. Duensing began his teaching career at Springfield (Illinois) Lutheran High School in 1992, and served there until 2011. In his twenty plus years of service he taught a variety of classes, coached several sports, and served as Freshman Counselor and Special Needs Coordinator. He was appointed principal in 2007 and served at that post until he accepted the call to Christ Our Rock in 2011.
   Mr. Duensing and his wife live in Hoffman with their three children. They are members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Psalm 119:105

   Mr. Pennington holds a Bachelor of Art degree in History and Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education from Southern Illinois University, and a Master of Arts in Education degree from Greenville College. He completed the LCMS Colloquy program and became a rostered Lutheran educator in February, 2010.
   Mr. Pennington is noted for turning his classroom into an extraordinary "museum" of historical realia. His ability to make history come alive makes his classes unique.
   Prior to education, he spent over 15 years working for the Morning Sentinel daily newspaper. In addition to serving as a news photographer, he wrote feature articles.
   Mr. Pennington resides in Centralia with his wife Michelle and daughter, Trecie. They are members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.  Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy holy spirit from me.  Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” Psalm 51:10-12

   Miss Cole earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Eastern Illinois University. She is also certified in Social Studies, and has an English/Language Arts endorsement. 
   Prior to coming to Christ Our Rock, she taught at Centralia Junior High School and substituted at various local schools.
   In her classroom, critical thinking, creativity and hands-on learning activities are emphasized.  For example, in Civics the students create their own political parties and hold mock elections.  She uses her passion and sense of humor to bring the information to life.
   Miss Cole resides in rural Centralia. She is a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman where she teaches Sunday school.
   Her overall goal is to help the students achieve a positive relationship with Christ, encourage them to think critically and to lead them on the right career path.  A verse Miss Cole lives her life by is... 

Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God.  For all things are possible with God.” Mark 10:27

   Curt Fischer was born in Jamestown, ND, raised in California, and graduated from Concordia Teachers College, Seward, NE, and earned his MA from St. Cloud State.
   He has coached baseball, softball, boy's basketball, girl's basketball, football, and track. He has been an administrator for 22 years, 15 as head administrator of a school. 
   Mr. Fischer has dealt with many calls and accepted several in his efforts to spread Lutheran secondary education. Schools at which Curt has served include the following: Concordia Academy, St. Paul, MN, 1969-1974, Valley Lutheran HS, St. Charles, IL 1974-79,Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School, Sheboygan, WI, 1979-1991; First Lutheran School, Ft. Smith, AR, 1991-92; Mayer Lutheran High School, Mayer, MN,1992-1996; Christ Lutheran High School, Buckley, IL, 1996-2000; Heartland Lutheran High School, Grand Island, NE 2000-2008; Lutheran High School, Springfield, IL 2008-2011; Christ Our Rock Lutheran High School 2012-present. 
   Mr. Fischer has been married to his wife Jean for 40 years. Curt and Jean have two sons, Adam, 27, of Grand Island and Paul,25, of Springfield.

“Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” Matthew 6:19-21

Duties:   School receptionist, does payroll, bills, maintains attendance, lunch and tuition records, does the ordering, filing, mailings, copying and typing.

   Mrs. Edler's smiling face is the first thing most people see when they enter Christ Our Rock, and her voice is the first one heard when calling the school.  
   She has been a part of the Christ Our Rock team for nearly 6 years, and has been an active member of the Auction committee during that time.  Prior to working at CORLHS Mrs. Edler  worked as school secretary at Sandoval Grade School.   She was a stay-at-home mom for 8 years before that.
   "I have seen the school enrollment grow from 32 to 80 and can’t wait to see what next year brings!" says Mrs Edler.  "It’s great having a very nice office to work in and nice people to work with."
   Mrs. Edler and her husband Dwayne live near Hoffman with their daughters Amber and Shannon. Her daughter Amber graduated from CORLHS in 2009, and daughter Shannon is currently a freshman there. Their oldest daughter, Mallory, is married and has one child. The Edlers are members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoffman.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6

   Mrs. Kroeger graduated from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale with a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. For 11 years she worked as a Social Worker until she decided to stay at home with her children as a stay at home mom for the next 11 years. 
   For the past five years, however, she has worked part time as School Custodian at Trinity Lutheran School in Hoyleton which she continues to do while serving as the Assistant at CORLHS.
   She is thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of the CORLHS team. She looks forward to watching the school grow and see God’s awesome work with the students, staff, parents and community. 
   Mrs. Kroeger lives in Hoffman with her husband, Bob, and their two children, Mitchell, a sophomore at CORLHS, and Madylin, a 6th grader at Trinity Lutheran School in Hoyleton. She is a member, and Sunday School teacher, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Hoyleton.

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” Romans 5:1

  Mrs. Heard teaches all of the English classes at Christ Our Rock, and has taught here since the year the school opened. She serves as faculty advisor to the CORLHS Yearbook, and was previously the coach of the girls' volleyball team. 
  She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from McKendree University, and a Master of Arts in English from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville. 
   Before coming to teach at Christ Our Rock, Mrs. Heard worked as a professional Technical Writer in St. Louis.  She also was an Adjunct English Instructor at Kaskaskia College.
   Mrs. Heard is known affectionately to her students for her calm, professional teaching style.  She is also known for her vast collection of photos of Christ Our Rock students and activities.  
  She lives in Centralia with her husband, Lyndon, and her two children, Adam and Nolan.  Nolan will be in the 6th grade next year and Adam will be a freshman at Christ Our Rock.

"Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality”
Romans 12:11-13  .

   Mr. Kasten is known to students as Mr. Kasten FT, to distinguish himself from his father, Steve, who teaches part-time (PT) at CORLHS.  He teaches a wide assortment of classes to students in all four years of high school.
  He is a graduate of Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, in 2004, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Education, with a minor in Math and Biology, and his Lutheran Teaching Diploma (LTD).
   Mr. Kasten is respected by his students for maintaining high expectations in each of his classes.  In addition to his teaching duties he assists the students and administration with numerous daily activities.
  He lives in Hoffman with his wife, Francee, a teacher at Trinity Lutheran School in Centralia. They are the proud parents of two daughters, Elena Ferris and Evelyn Grace.

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.  Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.  Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”  Philippians 4:4-6

   Mr. Freels teaches Physical Education and Driver's Education at Christ Our Rock.  But he is equally known for the many special meals he cooks for the special events at Christ Our Rock and elsewhere in the Centralia area.
  He has a Bachelor's degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University, with a major in Physical Education and minor in Driver's Education. He taught at Centralia Grade School for 3 years, and 29 years at Centralia High School.
  Mr. Freels is widely known for his accomplishments as a college tennis player and for many years as tennis coach on both the high school and Junior College levels.  In 2002 he was elected to the Centralia Sports Hall of Fame, and in 2008 to the Kaskaskia College Sports Hall of Fame. 
  He and his wife Nancy, a CHS teacher, reside in Centralia and are members of Trinity Lutheran Church, Centralia.  They are the parents of Blake and Lindsey, graduates of Centralia High School.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 .

   Mrs. Wicklander graduated in 2005 from Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Studio Art with a minor in Communications.
   In her art classes she encourages students to express themselves while developing their technical art skills. She encourages them to communicate through images and to present their work in a professional manner. 
CORLHS students have the opportunity to experience a variety of art projects, covering a range of topics such as history, advertising, social issues, and art in the church. She provides them with opportunities to participate in area art exhibits.
   Outside of school Mrs. Wicklander is a member of the Clinton County Art Guild, where she takes part in organizing classes, exhibitions and competitions for area artists. She also works at the Angie Siddell Agency of American Family Insurance.
   Mrs. Wicklander and her husband Carl live in Nashville, where they are members of Trinity Lutheran Church.

“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.”  
Colossians 3:16

   Mr. Griffin teaches all the Spanish and Computer classes.  He also manages the school's technology systems and coordinates technology training for the students and staff.  He has a Bachelor's Degree from McKendree College and Master's Degree from Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville.
   Prior to coming to Christ Our Rock, Griffin taught high school Spanish and History for 29 years in Centralia, Olney, and Wood River.  He taught evening college classes for 15 years at Centralia Correctional Center and 3 years at Olney Central College..  
   For several years he was a business owner and worked with orphanages in Central America.  He currently is owner of Illinois Websites, a web design business.
   Mr. Griffin and his wife Judy, a local realtor, live in Centralia and are members of Trinity Lutheran Church.  He is the father of  8 children and 2 step-children and has 15 grandchildren.

“Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7.

   Mr. Kasten (part time), father of fellow CORLHS teacher Ben Kasten (full time), teaches the Agricultural courses, is the faculty advisor to the FFA, and is the director of the school's drama productions. He also teaches 7th and 8th grade science and social studies at Trinity Lutheran, Hoyleton. 
   Kasten graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1973, with a major in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. For nearly 30 years he worked for the Illinois Department of Agriculture as a Chemist in the Veterinary Toxicology Department at the Animal Disease Laboratory. Following that, he was employed by the Clinton County Extension working primarily in the areas of livestock and environmental issues.
   He lives on and operates the family farm near Hoyleton. He and his wife Marge have three children and 6 grandchildren.

“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6

   Mr. Thomack, graduate of Concordia University Wisconsin in 2011, is in his second year of teaching and coaching.   
   At CUW, he earned his Bachelor's Degree in Lutheran Secondary Education Mathematics, and participated in Concordia's Men's soccer team all four years.
   This year at Christ Our Rock he teaches math and physical education. In addition to his classroom responsibilities he also serves as Christ Our Rock's Athletic Director and assistant soccer coach.
   Mr. Thomack was born and raised in Litchfield, IL and lives in Centralia with his wife, Katy, a nurse at Good Samaritan in Mt. Vernon. 
   Mr. Thomack says this about teaching at Christ Our Rock, "My wife and I feel blessed to serve the Lord here at this wonderful school."

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9 .

   Mr. Hunt teaches Band, Choir, and HSM, which is an extra-curricular performing ensemble that rehearses before school. He also teaches 5-8 band at Trinity Centralia, Trinity Hoffman, and TSJ in Nashville.
   He graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Music degree in Music Education.
   Prior to coming to Christ Our Rock, Mr. Hunt was the Assistant Band Director and Choir Director at Granite City High School in Granite City, Illinois.
   This year Mr. Hunt has added Assistant Golf Coach to his list of duties, which also include Assistant Baseball Coach.
   Mr. Hunt lives in Centralia.

“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”  Philippians 4:13 .

   Mrs. Trout graduated from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 2011.  She earned a bachelor's degree in education with a major in Biology.  She has enjoyed science since she was in grade school enjoys teaching Biology and Chemistry at Christ Our Rock.
   She was born in Centralia and grew up on a farm in Waltonville.  She now lives with her husband and little boy in Woodlawn.
   This is Mrs. Trout's first year of teaching and she is looking forward to being part of the Christ Our Rock family.

“Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.”  Proverbs 16:3

   Pastor Scott Niermann was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri. He received his bachelor's degree from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Mo. 
   Following graduation he was commissioned into the United States Air Force. He was on active duty for 10 years and achieved the rank of Captain. 
   After leaving the Air Force he began studies at Concordia Seminary in St. Louis and graduated in 2008. He was called to Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ferrin, Illinois later that year and has served as their pastor since. 
   Pastor Niermann and his wife Kathy have five children. 

“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24 .

   Mr. Shaffer has served as Christ Our Rock's head boys basketball coach for 9 years.  He also coaches boy's baseball, and became golf coach in Fall 2010.
   Mike graduated from Sandoval High School in 1972.  He was a member of the baseball and basketball teams all 4 years.  
   He has coached various baseball and basketball teams for over 30 years.  In addition, he has been a basketball and baseball official.
   Mr. Shaffer and his wife have been married for over 38 years.  They reside in Sandoval where they are members of St. Lawrence Catholic Church.  
   They are the parents of 3 grown children; Jason, Jill, and Julie.  They have 5 grandsons; Jordan, Jacob, Jadon, Tristen, and Ethan.

“Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend” Proverbs 27:17 

   Susan is the mother of senior CORLHS cheerleader, Bethany, here at COR. Mrs Kleiboeker has been involved with dance since she was a small child and has taught dance at Studio 50 for the past 18 years.
   Mrs. Kleiboeker is also a certified teacher and works as the Agriculture Literacy Coordinator for Clinton and Marion County. In this capacity she travels to various schools in both counties to teach about agriculture and conservation of our earth.
   Coach Kleiboeker has lived in the area over 20 years and has 3 daughters. The oldest daughter, Corinne, a senior at SIUE, is co-coaching the cheer squad along side her mother. She has 6 years of experience as a cheerleader and many years of dance training as well.
   Susan, her husband Mark and daughters attend church at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Ferrin. 
   The two Kleiboeker coaches are very excited to be working with the girls on the squad and Christ Our Rock students and staff. It's a great place for everyone to feel the love of God and share it with others.

“People were also bringing babies to Jesus for him to place his hands on them. When the disciples saw this, they rebuked them. But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it"  Luke 18:15-17

   Mr. Dunavan served as Christ Our Rock's assistant soccer coach until becoming head coach this year.  He has coached different soccer programs over the past 10 years, from kinder-soccer through the high school level.
   Dean attended Rend Lake College and served six years in the military.  For the past 20 years he has been employed by Walgreens.
   Mr. Dunavan and his wife Loretta have been married for 23 years.  They have two children, Mariah, a sophomore at CORLHS, and Abigail, a 6th grader at Rome Grade School.

   "Whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."  1 Corinthians 10:31

   Mrs. Lape, who has served as the coach for the Lady Stallions volleyball team following Patti Heard’s leave of absence, is passionate about the game of volleyball. 
   Prior to coaching at Christ Our Rock, Lape assisted the coaching staff at Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Centralia, during which the team won the LSA state tournament. She coached sports camps for several summers at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.
   Coach Lape’s playing experience dates back prior to rally serving, liberos and a plethora of other rule changes. She was a setter and defensive specialist. Her husband lured her into a relationship by inviting her to be on the church league team and with a bag of Oreos constantly in the cupboard.
   In addition to volleyball coach, Lape has served as an assistant cook at Trinity Lutheran Grade School in Centralia, a cake decorator and dessert specialist, a cabinetry designer , draftsman and a homemaker. She enjoys her new role, loves the girls she coaches, and has supported Christ Our Rock since its inception.
   Mrs. Lape lives with her husband and children in the country near Patoka and attends Trinity Lutheran Church in Centralia. All of her children attended Christ Our Rock LHS.

   "Whatever work you do, do it with all your heart. Do it for the Lord and not for men. Remember that you will get your reward from the Lord. He will give you what you should receive. You are working for the Lord Christ."  Colossians 3:23-24

   Mr. Kueper is making his High School Basketball coaching debut at CORLHS.  He takes over the squad from former Head Coach Chad Knolhoff.
   Dan is a 2000 graduate from Carlyle High School and a 2002 graduate of Kaskaskia College.  Over the last 13 years Coach Kueper has headed the youth basketball program in Carlyle, working with grades 3-6.  He has also had a brief 2-year stint at Carlyle Jr. High School before resigning from the position in 2008l
   Since 2004 Dan has owned and operated the Carlyle Lake Golf Course with his twin brother Don.

"As the Philistine moved closer to attack him, David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet him. 49 Reaching into his bag and taking out a stone, he slung it and struck the Philistine on the forehead. The stone sank into his forehead, and he fell facedown on the ground.” 1 Samuel 17:48-49