 At Lutheran High School of San Antonio, we believe in fostering creativity, practical skills, and entrepreneurial spirit. A shining example of this commitment can be found in our Innovation Lab, a dynamic space where ideas come to life through hands-on learning. Innovation Lab is a hub for problem-solving, design thinking, and collaborative projects. This past spring, a group of our talented students, who chose the Cricut Craft section for their Innovation Lab time, put their skills to an incredible cause: creating unique, custom items to sell at our annual Field Day for 3rd through 5th graders!
The Cricut machines, beloved tools for precision cutting and design, became the centerpiece of this exciting venture. Our students dove into the design process, brainstorming fun and engaging items that would appeal to the younger students. This wasn't just about making pretty things; it was a real-world lesson in:
0 Comments
On Saturday, June 7, our LHS students had the opportunity to serve as mentors and supporters at the FIRST Access Robotics competition, a national-level inclusive robotics event designed to engage students with disabilities in STEM education.
LHS is proud to continue our partnership with Kinetic Kids, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering youth with physical and cognitive challenges through sports and recreational programs. This event is the culmination of months of preparation, designing, building, and programming robots. Our students spent the day helping make robotics accessible—and fun—for everyone. The competition brought together diverse teams from across the state to participate in an adapted version of FIRST Robotics. Each Kinetic Kids team included student engineers from LHS, who served as peer mentors. Our students supported their teammates in designing, building, programming, and driving the robots through a series of exciting challenges. Beyond the technical work, the day was filled with moments of connection, encouragement, and celebration. The LHS students demonstrated servant leadership, patience, and creativity as they adapted problem-solving strategies to meet the unique needs of their partners. For both groups of students, the day was a powerful reminder that STEM is for everyone—and that learning and collaboration can break barriers. Special thanks to our amazing students who gave their time and talents to serve, as well as to the dedicated team at Kinetic Kids for including us in this meaningful event. We are proud to see Mustangs making a difference through innovation, inclusion, and Christ-like love. To learn more about Kinetic Kids and their mission, visit https://kinetickidstx.org. Lutheran High School of San Antonio is always looking to add new extracurricular opportunities for our students, and thanks to a partnership with Spring Creek stables, we were able to launch our Horse Club this year as a way for students to explore horsemanship, responsibility, and outdoor education in a hands-on environment.
The club kicked off with their first session Friday, December 6, and held meetings once a month through May. This innovative program gives students the chance to experience the full cycle of horseback riding—from grooming to saddling to riding. Each session begins with students locating the horse they’ll be working with, gently placing a halter, and leading their horse to the barn. There, they learn how to brush and saddle their horses under the guidance of experienced instructors. Once everything is ready, students head into their riding lesson, where they continue to build skills and confidence. “We’re not just riding horses,” shared club coordinator Mrs. Urban. “We’re learning about patience, leadership, and the bond between humans and animals. It’s a truly unique experience for our students.” Sessions are held at Spring Creek Stables, a professional equestrian facility in the San Antonio area that is fully insured and staffed by experienced personnel. The team at Spring Creek partners with our school to provide a safe, structured, and supportive learning environment for students of all experience levels. We’re grateful to offer opportunities like Horse Club that align with our mission of educating the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. Our mission team has had a great start to their purpose-filled journey in Puerto Rico! Under the leadership of Mrs. Santory, students and staff have been immersed in the beauty, history, and restoration work of this vibrant island.
The week began with in a classroom without walls—El Yunque National Forest. Students took a two-hour hike through the rainforest, where they encountered native plants and wildlife while learning in the heart of God’s creation. One of the most impactful parts of the trip so far has been helping reforest Puerto Rico in the wake of devastating hurricanes. On one early morning, the team rose before sunrise, energized by a glowing sky and the task ahead: planting 250 trees. We were overjoyed to learn that another group had planted 250 trees the day before—together contributing 500 trees toward the island’s long-term recovery. After a well-earned lunch (and a little much-needed coffee!) the group toured a beautifully restored 19th-century sugar plantation. Students explored the historic hacienda and marveled at a steam-powered machine that once doubled sugarcane production on the island—still fully functional today! The $3 million restoration of the “trapiche” (sugar mill) is believed to be the only one of its kind still operating in the Americas. This trip has been a powerful reminder that mission work comes in many forms—from planting trees and preserving culture to building relationships and growing in faith. We are so proud of our students for embracing each opportunity to serve and learn with open hearts. Please continue to keep our mission team in your prayers as they finish out their time in Puerto Rico. We look forward to sharing more stories and reflections when they return home! Real-World Lessons in Real Estate: Build, Trade, and Design Students Visit Parade of Homes5/29/2025 At Lutheran High School of San Antonio, hands-on learning is a staple of our Build, Trade, and Design (BTD) class. This spring, students wrapped up the semester with an unforgettable field experience — appraising luxury homes at the Parade of Homes at George’s Ranch in Boerne.
For the final project of the course, students put their knowledge to the test by evaluating real homes in a professional-grade setting. Surrounded by high-end design, cutting-edge construction, and custom architecture, students had the opportunity to assess everything from floor plans and craftsmanship to energy efficiency and aesthetic appeal. “This was a great way to finish the class,” said Mrs. Santory. “It gave our students a real-world lens through which to apply everything they’ve learned — and maybe sparked some future careers along the way.” As they walked through each home, students acted as appraisers, analyzing features and estimating property values based on size, location, design elements, and construction quality. This immersive experience tied together the trades, design thinking, and practical math skills emphasized throughout the course. The Parade of Homes wasn’t just a field trip — it was a capstone experience. It showed students that the skills they’re building in class have real application in the world around them. Whether they pursue architecture, interior design, engineering, real estate, or construction management, our BTD students are better equipped to dream, design, and build with confidence. Five years ago, a group of Lutheran High School of San Antonio robotics students stood before a crowd at UTSA, presenting their projects at the SA Robotix Meetup. They shared the stage with a senior design student unveiling a prototype of a low-cost bionic hand — a project that would one day become Alt-Bionics.
Fast forward to today, and a new generation of LHSSA robotics students has come full circle, touring the very startup that inspired them — Alt-Bionics. What began as a student prototype has grown into a cutting-edge facility creating affordable, life-changing bionic limbs. For our students, it wasn’t just a tour; it was a glimpse into what’s possible when passion meets purpose. The spark for this visit was ignited by a rising junior who just completed her first full year on our all-girls robotics team and has developed a deep interest in engineering, fueled in part by a desire to help create assistive technologies that make the world more accessible for all people. Through skills learned in the engineering class at Lutheran High School, students have experience has with Arduino devices, sensors, and servo motors — exploring the fundamentals of human-mechanical interface systems. Those introductory skills and the drive to learn and build solutions mirrors the early work of Ryan Saavedra, the founder of Alt-Bionics, whose journey began at the very same SA Robotix events. This visit was made possible through connections fostered by Stephanie Garcia of Port San Antonio, a passionate advocate for women in robotics and co-founder of the SA Robotix Meetup. Her leadership in launching a San Antonio chapter of Women in Robotics is helping create opportunities for young women like Lin and Ahn to explore engineering paths and pursue real-world applications of their ideas. As our students walked through the Alt-Bionics facility, asked questions, and saw the progression from prototype to production, they were doing more than just observing — they were imagining what they, too, could one day build. The tour of Alt-Bionics isn’t the end of a journey — it’s just the beginning. With the support of mentors, the drive to solve real problems, and the legacy of innovation before them.  Lutheran High School of San Antonio is incredibly proud to announce the success of eleven of our talented young women at the recent Aspirations in Computing Awards Ceremony! This prestigious program, run by the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT), recognizes high school students who demonstrate a passion and aptitude for technology and computing.
This year saw impressive participation from our local community, with 73 high school students from the area applying for this award. Of those applicants, 41 students were recognized for their achievements – and an outstanding 11 of these awardees are bright and dedicated students from Lutheran High School! This significant representation truly highlights the way our your women are using their talent to pursue excellence in computing. Their hard work, dedication, and passion for technology have shone brightly, placing Lutheran High School at the forefront of fostering future female leaders in this critical field. Adding to this incredible accomplishment, we are thrilled to share that one of our very own students earned a National Honorable Mention in the Aspirations in Computing Awards! This is an exceptional achievement, as there were only two National Honorable Mention recipients from our entire region, and only one National Award Winner. This recognition on a national level speaks volumes about the caliber of our students and the supportive environment for STEM education at Lutheran High School. We extend our warmest congratulations to all eleven of our awardees. Your accomplishments are a testament to your individual talents and the commitment of our faculty and staff in encouraging and nurturing your interests in computing. You are inspiring the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers! Congratulations to our amazing Aspirations in Computing Awardees! We are so proud of you! The Lutheran High School robotics team isn't just about gears and circuits; it's about building bridges and creating opportunities for everyone to participate and shine! This past weekend, our dedicated students took their mission on the road, delivering three of their adaptive sports creations to the Texas Special Olympics event held in Plano.
Thanks to the hard work and innovative spirit of our robotics team, athletes at the Special Olympics event had the chance to experience the thrill of sports in new ways. The team proudly presented their new and improved Mustang Launcher, designed to allow students to shoot a free throw by pressing a button on the machine, which launches the ball. They also brought along the exciting homerun machine, allowing athletes to experience the joy of hitting it out of the park, and the newest addition to our line-up, the stomp rocket machine, sending soaring rockets into the sky. These devices are a direct result of the ongoing partnership between Lutheran High School and Special Olympics Texas, which began in 2021. As highlighted in a recent Special Olympics Texas blog post (you can read more here: https://tinyurl.com/2nxjzmsy), our students have been instrumental in the FUNdamental Sports program, developing ways for athletes with diverse challenges to engage in sporting events. What started as a "genius hour" project has blossomed into a recurring commitment, with students dedicating their time and talents to design, build, and refine adaptive sports equipment. The impact of this work is truly profound, creating moments of joy and inclusion that wouldn't otherwise be possible. The blog post even recounts a touching story of a 20-year-old athlete making a regulation free throw for the first time, a moment of pure elation for him and his family made possible by the ingenuity of our students. While in Plano, a moving situation arose that further underscored the profound impact of the robotics team's work. Renee, a representative from Special Olympics Texas, shared a story of a mother who traveled to the event with her son participating in FUNDamental sports. This trip came at an incredibly difficult time, as she had recently lost her other son, a Texas A&M engineering student just days away from graduation. In a poignant moment, this mother expressed a wish: that the new rocket launcher might be launched by her family and named in honor of her deceased son. In response, Renee is working to organize a small ceremony, potentially at LHS the week of May 12th, to honor this request and provide a tangible form of support to the family. This ceremony would aim to include students who have been involved with Special Olympics or the design and building of these adaptive devices, offering a meaningful way to remember and honor a young life while highlighting the spirit of inclusivity that drives our robotics program. This heartfelt request truly embodies the essence of what the Lutheran High School robotics team strives for – using their skills not just to build machines, but to build connections, foster inclusion, and offer support to our community. We are incredibly proud of our students and their continued dedication to making a difference in the lives of others. Stay tuned for more information regarding the planned ceremony. What a day it was for the Lutheran High School track team at the TAPPS State Meet in Waco on Saturday, May 3rd! Our athletes delivered a stunning performance, securing a 4th place overall out of 20 teams! This achievement is particularly remarkable considering the team consisted of just four runners at the State competition, showcasing their exceptional talent and dedication.
The pride within the Mustang community is palpable. One parent exclaimed, "Today was a fantastic day! Aiden ran at the state track meet with three of his teammates in Waco. He placed 2nd in the 100m and 400m and 3rd in the 200m. The team placed 4th overall out of 20 teams with only four runners, which is insane. I am so incredibly proud of all these kids and blessed to know them and to have a fantastic coaching staff." Adding to the excitement, another parent reflected on the significance of the day, "That’s a wrap folks. How many years of watching our kids in their sporting events? I think it’s close to 20 years. Today was the last, and what better way to close a chapter than at the TAPPS State Track Meet?! She finished 4th in her 400 race. Her team finished 4th overall (a first in school history). It was a beautiful day and I couldn’t be more proud!" This sentiment underscores the historical nature of the team's accomplishment. The team's success was powered by outstanding individual performances. Andrew W. was a force to be reckoned with, claiming first place in the 100m, 200m, and 400m and earning the prestigious title of Athlete of the Meet. Aiden M. also had a stellar day, securing second place in both the 100m and 400m, along with a third-place finish in the 200m. Demonstrating his endurance, freshmen Reed M. achieved a strong fourth place in the 800m. And on the girls' side, the determined Leah W. finished with an impressive fourth place in the 400m and eighth in the 200m. Coach Wright and Garcia were proud of the team's approach to the season, saying, "The 2025 track season is officially over and what a way to end the season. Our athletes finished 4th overall out of 20 teams. We have team medals for ALL the members of the track team. For the athletes that were not at State, please see Coach Adrian to receive your medal. Everybody on the team deserves it along with praise because we trained and pushed each other throughout the entire season. I am so proud of all of you!" He also expressed his gratitude for the incredible support system, stating, "I also want to thank the parents for your support throughout the entire season. All of you are amazing." This 4th place finish at the TAPPS State Meet is not just a victory; it's a landmark achievement for the Lutheran High School track program, made even more impressive by the small number of athletes competing. Congratulations to Andrew, Aiden, Reed, Leah, Coach Adrian, and all the supportive parents on a truly unforgettable season! Ride on Mustangs! Thursday, May 1st Lutheran High School students had a day of exploration and inspiration for as they embarked on their annual spring college visits. Our freshmen and sophomores had the opportunity to experience the beautiful campus of Schreiner University in Kerrville, while our juniors journeyed to the historic Our Lady of the Lake University right here in San Antonio.
These carefully planned visits are a part of Lutheran High's commitment to helping students discern their paths beyond graduation. By exposing students to a variety of higher education environments early in their high school careers, we aim to demystify the college experience and spark thoughtful conversations about their academic and personal aspirations. From the welcoming atmosphere and scenic river campus of Schreiner to the rich history and vibrant community at Our Lady of the Lake, our students gained valuable insights into different campus cultures and academic offerings. Walking the grounds, hearing from admissions representatives, and even picturing themselves as future college students can be incredibly impactful. These intentional college visits, in addition to the individual college visits our students pursue, provide a comprehensive approach to college exploration. We believe that firsthand experience is invaluable in helping our students find the right fit for their unique talents and goals. Stay tuned for more updates on the exciting opportunities available to Lutheran High School students as they prepare for their bright futures! |
RSS Feed
