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Great Plains Lutheran High School (also colloquially known as GPLHS) is a coeducational Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod-affiliated boarding school in Watertown, South Dakota, United States, and is known for its excellence in academic programs. It is the only private high school in Watertown, South Dakota. It is owned and operated by 48 congregations〔()〕 belonging to the Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod (WELS). ==History== Once the decision was made to open Great Plains Lutheran High School, the Great Plains Lutheran High School Association, under God’s guidance , recommended opening GPLHS in Watertown, SD, for the 1996-97 academic school year. Through much prayer and the dreams of many people to commit their time, talents, and dollars to the successful operation of a Lutheran secondary school, the Great Plains Lutheran High School Board’s recommendation to open GPLHS was voted upon by a group of delegates. The dream of opening a small school in Watertown became a reality by an overwhelming vote. The purpose and mission statement were finalized. In short, the mission was and still is to provide a well-rounded Christian education to educate the whole person in a caring Christian environment. Currently GPLHS serves students and their families living in other states and other foreign countries. In August of 1995, the first administrator of GPLHS was installed. Under the leadership of the first administrator, Reverend Wayne Fischer, GPLHS saw its beginnings. Under Pastor Fischer, GPLHS had many firsts. The first building was erected, the first day of school, the first Christmas concert, the first graduation. In the year 2000 Pastor Fischer accepted a call to become the superintendent of Minnesota Valley Lutheran High School in New Ulm, MN. By now the school was established and growing, and God saw fit that a new administrator would lead the school through the next transitional phase. Pastor Daniel Myers accepted the call and became the Dean of Students and the acting Administrator. Ultimately he was asked to serve as the school’s full-time administrator. Pastor Myers, like Pastor Fischer, had dreams of a bigger enrollment. GPLHS started with an enrollment of twenty three students, but Pastor Myers’ vision was to grow the school to 100 students before the tenth year of the school was completed. By God’s grace that goal was accomplished and surpassed. In 2006 God saw fit that Pastor Myers should accept the call to serve him in Africa. The GPLHS board assigned Mr. Bert Falak the duties of Principal/Administrator at GPLHS. A new Dean of Students was called, Pastor David Maertz. Mr. Falak served through the 2011-2012 school year, and Pastor Maertz served GPLHS as the Dean of Students and acting Administrator through the 2012-2013 school year. After several years of discussion and planning, the GPLHS Board of Directors sought and gained the Association’s approval to implement an expanded administrative structure. This structure would add the position of President and position GPLHS for an even greater impact in the Watertown community, District, and beyond. In January of 2012 Pastor Maertz was called and accepted the call to serve as Great Plains Lutheran High School’s first President. The following month Mr. Eric Brown accepted the call to serve as Principal. In the fall of 2013 Pastor Tony Hansen accepted the call to serve as Dean of Students. With these positions filled, all the administrative and staffing pieces were in place for GPL’s growing impact. When GPLHS initially opened its doors, it only had four full-time faculty members plus part-time teachers and staff to serve 23 students. Currently GPLHS has a complete administrative team, 12 full-time teachers, a part-time teacher, and many others on staff. Student enrollment at this time is 113. The Lord continues to bless the faculty, staff, and students on a daily basis.〔()〕 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Great Plains Lutheran High School」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
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