 Lutheran High School's engineering students are transforming the way athletes with special needs experience sport — one circuit board at a time. There is a certain kind of work that changes you — not because it is difficult, but because of who it is for. For the engineering students in Mr. Schuetze's class at Lutheran High School San Antonio, that work comes every year in the form of a humble but extraordinary mission: building and improving machines that help athletes with special needs participate in sports they love. This year, as the Texas Special Olympics Summer Games prepare to take place in Melissa, Texas, the Mustang engineering team is loading their creations for transport — devices that have been designed, assembled, tested, and refined right here in our own school's classrooms. "This, along with FIRST Access, is some of the most rewarding experiences in my robotics career. I've had many, but these nearly every time bring a tear to my eye and love fills my heart to see our students want to do and make these things in service to others." — Mr. Schuetze, Engineering and Robotics Instructor. The original "Mustang Free Throw Machine" is still at the center of this year's effort, and is in it's third iteration. It is an Arduino-powered device that enables athletes to experience the joy of shooting a basketball, regardless of physical limitations. What began as a prototype held together with a breadboard and a tangle of colorful jumper wires has been completely rearchitected by students this year into a far more robust and reliable system. All five motor controller wires now mount cleanly in channels 0–4 on a custom Arduino shield, while user buttons and limit switches are soldered directly to the board — dramatically reducing the chance of a loose connection during an event. Students also disassembled, inspected, and reassembled the gearboxes on the upper motors, and are now dialing in motor speeds in the updated code to optimize performance. The engineering logic is simple and purposeful: every loose wire is a potential failure point in the field. When an athlete is waiting, hopeful, and ready to play, reliability is everything. But the Free Throw Machine is only part of the story. The class is also converting a Homerun / Tennis machine from its original VEX system to an Arduino and non-VEX motor — a meaningful rework requiring new hardware and entirely new code. A fishing carnival game is also in development, built from the ground up as a new addition to the lineup. And students have designed a stomp rocket device — a direct request from SOTX volunteers at last year's event — which required real investment in pneumatic components and represents exactly the kind of student-led, needs-driven engineering this program is known for in our pursuit of excellence. What makes this program genuinely remarkable is not just the technical skill on display — it is the orientation of that skill toward others. These are not passion projects built for a grade or a trophy. They are tools built for specific human beings: athletes who deserve to experience sport in all its joy, and who will be waiting at the Summer Games in Melissa this week. The Texas Special Olympics organization has taken note, and conversations are underway about how best to formally recognize Lutheran High School's service to the program. In the meantime, the machines are loaded and ready. The code is being dialed in. And a group of Mustang students will soon stand at the edge of a gymnasium in Melissa, Texas, watching an athlete sink a free throw — made possible by work that started right here in San Antonio. Go Mustangs. In service to others, to the glory of God.
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 The district track meet is in the books — and there is so much to celebrate for our Mustangs! From personal records to a district championship, our Mustangs delivered an outstanding performance from start to finish. Before highlighting individual results, it's worth saying what matters most: the way our athletes support one another is truly remarkable. The encouragement, the cheering, the genuine love our students show for each other — it is an inspiration to every coach on this staff and a reminder of why we do what we do. We are proud to be even a small part of your journey. Standout Performances Christian — District Champion — Long Jump · 200m Claimed the district title in the long jump and also advanced in the 200m. Hadessa — Advanced — 100m · 400m Competed and advanced in both events — hours after flying back from a soccer tournament in Florida. Her flight landed at 10:30 AM and she came straight to the track after playing soccer for six hours the day before. Incredible. Jackson — Personal Record — 100m · 200m Set PRs in both the 100m and 200m on the same day. Nick — Personal Record — 800m Slashed 8 seconds off his previous 800m best. That is a massive improvement. Chandler — Personal Record — 400m Dropped 2 seconds in the 400m — a significant and hard-earned gain. Addison — Personal Record — 400m Set a new personal best in the 400m. These results reflect months of hard work and a commitment to getting better every single day. Personal records don't come easy — they come from showing up consistently and pushing through discomfort. Every one of you should be proud. We look forward to seeing our advancing athletes continue to compete and represent LHSSA with excellence. Go Mustangs!  Saturday, April 11 both our boys and girls robotics teams competed at the TAPPS robotics event in Waco — and brought with them months of hard-won skill, determination, and teamwork. We are proud to share that our girls team advanced all the way to the semi-finals, a remarkable achievement that reflects the dedication of everyone involved. But the story of this weekend goes deeper than any single result. In the weeks between the close of our FIRST season and the start of TAPPS competition, both teams poured themselves into the engineering, CAD design, and coding work that would carry them forward. That time — quiet, unglamorous, and absolutely essential — is where the real growth happened. "We are not using kids to build robots, we are using robots to build kids." — Dean Kamen, Founder of FIRST Dean Kamen's words have never rung more true. What our students are gaining through robotics extends far beyond lines of code and points per match. From mastering engineering principles and CAD software to writing and refining complex code, from learning to lead teammates under pressure to leaning on one another in fellowship — these young people are pursuing excellence in every sense of the word. Their work is rooted in faith, shaped by discipline, and pointed toward a future where the skills they're building will make a real difference — in their own lives, and in the communities they'll go on to serve. We are proud of both teams for the work they put in and the way they competed. A heartfelt thank-you to Mr. Schuetze, our coach, and Mr. Alwood, our coding mentor, for their tireless guidance and investment in these students. And to all the parents who have given their time and energy this season — none of this happens without you. Thank you for making this such a meaningful year.  Lutheran High School senior Andrew Wright is no stranger to the national stage — but this spring, he's running on an entirely new level.
At this year's Nike Indoor Nationals in New York City, Andrew and his Texas Titans relay team didn't just compete — they made history. The 4x200m relay team broke the National Championship meet record and brought home a gold medal in one of the most competitive high school track events in the country. As if that weren't enough, Andrew and his teammates also earned a bronze medal in the 4x400m relay, capping off an extraordinary indoor season. These accomplishments are a testament to the culture around Andrew and his teammates. All Nike-sponsored athletes, the Texas Titans are led by Nike's Sprint Coach of the Year, Kevin Schexnayder — known to his athletes simply as Coach K — whose dedication to developing elite sprinters has helped place his team among the best in the nation. For Andrew, the gold medal and record at Nationals mark his third National Championship of his high school career, and the bronze adds to a growing list of elite finishes. He has now earned eight All-American titles — a distinction awarded to athletes who finish in the top six in the United States at a national championship track meet. Eight. It is the result of years of early mornings, relentless work, and a commitment to excellence that reflects the best of what LHS strives to cultivate in all of our students. And the season is just getting started. This spring, Andrew will be traveling to Miami, Los Angeles, and Baltimore to train alongside members of the United States Olympic team and coaching staff, as well as compete in professional track meets. Just this past weekend, he stepped onto the track at the 2026 Miramar Invitational in South Florida — one of the premier stops on the World Athletics Continental Tour — where he raced against three Olympic medalists. That's not a high school meet. That's the professional circuit, and Andrew Wright belongs there. The road ahead this summer leads toward something even bigger. In June, Andrew will be competing for a spot on the U-20 United States Track Team, with the goal of representing his country at the U-20 World Championships. For a young man from a small Christian school on San Antonio's northwest side, the scope of what he is pursuing is remarkable. But those of us who know Andrew know that his story has always been about more than times and medals. He is part of a school community that believes God places gifts in people for a purpose, and that those gifts are meant to be used boldly to make an impact in his community to the glory of Jesus Christ. Watching Andrew run — watching him compete on the same track as Olympians, watching him carry the name of his school and his city into national and international arenas — is a reminder of what it looks like when a student truly leads a life of impact. We are proud of you, Andrew. Go make history.  What happens when a small school decides to show up in a big way for their community? You get The Uplift Project — and a final fundraising total of $15,931. This group of Lutheran High School of San Antonio students participated in Blood Cancer United's Student Visionaries of the Year program and from the very beginning, the mission was personal. In a school of only about 130 students, one classmate — Miguel Roman — was diagnosed with leukemia. Miguel's strength through treatment inspired the creation of The Uplift Project. Miguel is now expected to be completely cancer free, but his journey brought a painful reality into focus: about 65% of families affected by blood cancer struggle to afford hospital bills while fighting for their loved one's life. The team set out to change that — one donation at a time. Over the course of their campaign, students raised funds through individual outreach, community partnerships, and a school-day bowling event at Bandera Bowl on March 2nd. That event was supercharged by a corporate match that tripled every dollar raised on the day. The momentum didn't stop there — KSAT Community partnered with The Uplift Project to host a live televised phone bank on February 23rd, shining a citywide spotlight on these young servant leaders and the families they were working to help. When the campaign closed, the final number was $15,931 — a remarkable achievement for a student-led team from a small Christian school on San Antonio's Northwest Side. The Uplift Project's work is a living example of what it looks like to love your neighbor — not just in word, but in action. To the students of The Uplift Project: your school is proud of you, your community is grateful for you, and your work reflects the servant hearts God has placed within you. Well done. To learn more about Blood Cancer United and the Student Visionaries of the Year program, visit bloodcancerunited.org.  We are proud of our Lutheran High School scientists who competed against students from across the San Antonio region at the Alamo Regional Science Fair! Out of 17 projects presented, 12 earned ribbons — and 3 students were selected as Grand Prize Finalist interviewees: Carson | Mollie | Sierra Here's how our Mustangs placed: 🥇 1st Place
 Boys' team earns Central Texas Qualifier berth with perfect 5-0 record and Connect Award The Mechanical Mustangs robotics teams brought their A-game to this weekend's FIRST Tech Challenge league championship, with the boys' team punching their ticket to the Central Texas Regional Championship after an impressive tournament performance. Boys' Team: Perfect Record Leads to Regional Berth The boys' team put together a flawless 5-0 performance in qualification rounds, climbing from their initial ninth-place ranking to secure the fourth seed heading into elimination rounds. Their consistent excellence throughout the day—combining strong driving skills, a solid mechanical robot, and strategic alliance pairings—positioned them as the number four alliance captain. Though they faced a setback in their first double-elimination match against the fifth seed, the team's overall performance spoke volumes. Their success was capped off with the first-place Connect Award, which, combined with their competitive record, earned them a direct advancement to the Central Texas Regional Championship. Girls' Team: Strong Showing with Sustain Award The girls' team competed with determination throughout the day, including a notable match alongside the tournament's top-ranked team. Their efforts were recognized with a second-place Sustain Award, demonstrating their commitment to the program's values beyond just competitive performance. While they didn't accumulate enough points to advance beyond league play, team members Lexi and Naomi exemplified leadership, serving in mentor roles throughout the season and driving both the first and last matches of league competition. Kinetic Kids: Full FIRST Experience A highlight of the tournament was watching the Kinetic Kids team—the FIRST Access team our students mentor on Monday nights—compete alongside 34 other teams. Rather than participating in only the annual FIRST Access event, these young men experienced the full competition: judging sessions, pit interviews, and matches throughout the day. "What does full participation look like for our team of special needs?" reflected Coach Andrew Schuetze during the tournament. "Here they are with 34 other teams competing for advancement at the league tournament." The Kinetic Kids team earned two pit interviews from judges and competed with the support of their LHS student mentors, who Schuetze described as "young STEM leaders [who] fill my heart with a season-long mentorship." A Day of Competition The tournament day began at 8:30 AM with the boys' team heading to judging while preparing their robot for compliance inspection. Throughout the day, all three teams fielded multiple pit interviews from judges—often a positive indicator of award consideration. The boys' team methodically built their ranking through the qualification rounds, maintaining sixth place for much of the day before securing the fourth seed. As alliance captain, they selected their elimination round partner and battled through the bracket toward their regional qualification. The Mechanical Mustangs program continues to demonstrate that competitive excellence and inclusive mentorship can thrive side by side. Congratulations to all three teams on a successful league championship, and best of luck to the boys' team as they prepare for the Central Texas Regional Championship!  Friday, January 16, Lutheran High School students had the opportunity to step into the world of medicine at the UT Health Science Center's Brain and Eye Day—a unique program designed to give high school students hands-on experience with real medical education. LHS was selected as one of only a few schools invited to participate in this immersive program, hosted by medical students at the Long School of Medicine. Our students spent the morning at the UT Health Science Center campus on Floyd Curl, diving deep into neurology and ophthalmology through interactive learning experiences. The program featured five specialized stations where students rotated throughout the morning:
One of the highlights of the day was the chance to learn directly from current medical students who are on their own journey to becoming doctors. These medical students led the stations, sharing their knowledge and passion for medicine while giving our students a glimpse into what a career in healthcare might look like. Programs like Brain and Eye Day do more than teach anatomy—they inspire. They show students that science isn't just something in a textbook; it's tangible, fascinating, and full of possibilities. Whether our students pursue medicine or not, today's experience increased their understanding of how our bodies work and the importance of maintaining brain and eye health throughout our lives. We're grateful to UT Health Science Center and the Long School of Medicine for this incredible opportunity and for investing in the next generation of learners and leaders.  We are thrilled to announce that Lutheran High School of San Antonio has been recognized with Platinum recognition on the 2025 AP School Honor Roll – marking our third consecutive year earning this prestigious honor! This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to pursuing excellence and our dedication to providing a firm foundation for student success in college and beyond.
What Does Platinum Recognition Mean? The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools that demonstrate exceptional commitment to expanding college-level opportunities for students. To earn Platinum status, schools must meet rigorous criteria across three key areas: College Culture: At least 40% of graduating seniors must take at least one AP Exam during high school. College Credit: At least 25% of graduating seniors must score 3 or higher on at least one AP Exam. College Optimization: At least 2% of graduating seniors must take five or more AP Exams across their high school years, with at least one taken in 9th or 10th grade. LHSSA's Outstanding Performance Our Class of 2025 has exceeded expectations across all three categories:
Congratulations to the Class of 2025, and here's to continued success!  Last night, Lutheran High School of San Antonio's gymnasium transformed into a hub of scientific discovery as students presented their research projects at our annual internal Science Fair. In partnership with Shepherd of the Hills, we hosted an evening of innovation where freshmen and sophomores in honors biology and chemistry, alongside 8th graders, shared their scientific investigations with a distinguished panel of judges. The event served as a crucial stepping stone for students aiming to advance their projects to the ARASE Junior Academy of Science local fair or the ARASE regional fair. From the regional fair, outstanding projects have the opportunity to compete at the prestigious Texas State Science and Engineering Fair hosted by Texas A&M University. Science Fair exemplifies how our students live out LHS's mission to lead lives of impact in our community to the glory of Jesus Christ. Through their projects, students identified real-world problems, investigated potential solutions, designed rigorous experiments, and analyzed data to draw meaningful conclusions. This process develops critical thinking skills while encouraging students to use their God-given talents to serve others and advance human knowledge. A dedicated panel of judges—comprising LHS teachers, parents, and alumni—evaluated each project using comprehensive criteria that assessed three key areas: Foundation & Planning: examined whether students developed clear, testable research questions and appropriate methodologies with well-defined variables and controls. Execution & Innovation: focused on the quality of data collection, the reproducibility of results, proper application of statistical methods, and the originality demonstrated in the research question or approach. Presentation & Communication: evaluated both the visual clarity of posters and students' ability to articulate their scientific understanding, demonstrate independence in their work, recognize broader impacts, and envision future research directions. Students were available at their poster stations from 6:00 to 8:30 PM, with each project evaluated by at least three judges who provided scores and constructive feedback to help refine projects for the next competition level. The Science Fair represents months of dedication, curiosity, and hard work from our students. We are grateful to the judges who volunteered their time and expertise to mentor the next generation of scientists, and we look forward to seeing how our students' projects develop as they advance through regional and state competitions. Congratulations to all participants on their outstanding work, and a special thank you to Mrs. Rikard and Mr. Schuetze for all their work making this event possible! |
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