Each year, the Lutheran Education Association honors teachers and administrators through a series of awards that recognize a commitment to Christian education and students. Four of Concordia’s alumni have been selected to receive awards this year.
Sarah Driscoll, 2007
Sarah Driscoll was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2025 Distinguished Lutheran Secondary Educator Award. She teaches 9-12th grade history, algebra, and theology at Redeemer Lutheran Church and School in Verona, Pa. Called to Redeemer Lutheran in 2007 to teach in 6-8th grade, she helped start their high school in 2011 and has helped guide its growth as the high school expanded. Sarah earned a B.A. in elementary education with an English minor from Concordia University Wisconsin. She also has earned a SLED (School Leadership Development) certification.
Of her greatest joys in working with students, Sarah said, “When working with students, my greatest joys come from igniting a spark for learning and discovery paired with the knowledge of knowing Jesus as their Savior. As a Lutheran school teacher, this joy is unmatched!”
She also says that “her greatest challenge is the challenge in raising God-fearing young men and women in their continued faith walk upon graduation. Is their faith strong enough to be tested? Have I prepared my students to know their Lord and Savior, trusting in Him above all else? Are they confident in defending their faith and walking the walk as a Christian? As our world is ever-changing, am I preparing students for His second coming? Are they ready?”
Sarah’s personal mission statement is “is to inspire a love of learning in my students, while equipping them with the knowledge and understanding of Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.”
Judy Scriven, 2014
Judy Scriven was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2025 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Administrator Award. She serves Grace Lutheran Childcare, a ministry of Grace Lutheran Church in Vancouver, Wash., as the childcare director. She previously served in schools in Louisiana, Minnesota, California, and Alaska. She also received the 2023 NOW District Distinguished Early Childhood Administrator Award. Judy earned a B.A. in elementary education with a minor in early childhood from Concordia University, St. Paul, MN, and a MS in educational design and technology from Concordia University Wisconsin.
“My greatest joy” Judy said, “is seeing and hearing the stories of how the students, families, and staff are connecting with Jesus. An example is the little girl who paused as she left my childcare office with her dad, pointing at the picture on the wall and saying, ‘That’s Jesus.’ I love to rejoice with a teacher that comes to share a story about how a child says ‘the trees are praising God’ when the wind blows. I love to celebrate with a grandparent who shares how our center is an answer to prayer as their grandchild is now learning about Jesus.”
Judy faces challenges, too. She said, “My greatest challenge as an early childhood administrator has been finding and retaining staff that are a good fit for our ministry. During my first few years leading Grace Lutheran Childcare, the staff did not view our center as their ministry, only a job, and staff turnover was high. I’ve worked intentionally over the years to hire people with hearts for mission and ministry, and the difference has been powerful! Most have now been with us for several years. When seeking additional staffing this remains in the forefront of my mind.”
Judy’s personal mission statement “comes to me from a hymn that I remember learning as a child when I attended a Lutheran school and has always stuck with me. ‘You can lead the little children to the Savior’s waiting arms.’ It gives me comfort to look at my mission in this way, reminding me that I don’t need to try to be something spectacular; I can just be the one that is seeking to connect others with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.”
Sam Seefeld, 2009
Sam Seefeld was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2025 Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator Award. He is the executive director at Trinity Lutheran Freistadt in Mequon, Wis. Sam previously served as administrator, principal or teacher at Lutheran entities in Nevada and Wisconsin. He has also served in a variety of leadership roles in local, district, and national ministries. In 2020, Sam was honored with the Herb Kohl Principal Leadership Award and the Vanguard School Leadership Award.
Sam earned a B.A. in pre-seminary studies from Concordia University, St. Paul, an M.S. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Wisconsin, and a Ph.D. in Higher Education from UNLV.
About his greatest joys, Sam said, “It’s all about relationships. I truly value the opportunity to connect with my community, get to know our families, teachers, students, etc. With these relationships in hand, it is a joy to watch the Holy Spirit work in the hearts and lives of people. We know the Gospel is alive at Trinity; it is evident in the Word shared with joy, in the culture of our student body (second to none!).”
Commenting on his greatest challenge, Sam commented, “Keeping the bucket full! I feel very passionate about supporting and uplifting others, but this requires a great deal of sacrifice and commitment. As an administrator, the greatest challenge is to be constantly mindful of my own physical, mental, and spiritual health, to create healthy routines in each of those areas.”
His personal mission statement is, “I am a child of God, loved and saved by Jesus. I am called by the Gospel and through the Holy Spirit to bring others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. As a son of the King, I am dedicated to the unconditional love and support of my family in my role as husband, father, son, and relative. As a leader, I am dedicated to the service of Trinity’s community by building a passion for learning and a heart for Christ in our students, staff, and greater community.”
Cheryl Witek, 2013
Cheryl Witek was selected to receive Lutheran Education Association’s 2025 Distinguished Lutheran Early Childhood Teacher Award. She teaches at St. John’s Lutheran Church/School in Racine, Wis., where she also serves on a variety of committees and volunteers to help with church activities. She graduated from the University of Wisconsin Stout, Menomonie, with a B.S. of Science Early Childhood Education with a minor in Business Administration. Cheryl also earned an M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Wisconsin. She was previously honored as the 2013 South Wisconsin District LCMS Early Childhood Teacher of the Year.
Cheryl describes her greatest joys in ministry when she writes: “After many years in the classroom, I can honestly say that I love my job and look forward to greeting my students each day. I continually strive to engage my students in learning experiences that help them achieve their fullest potential, utilizing the talents and abilities that God has blessed them with. Together, we identify and utilize strengths to overcome weaknesses so that learning can take place. I love finding ways to tap into resources that help achieve individual goals, and I celebrate with my students as we grow and learn.” Cheryl’s personal mission statement is “to actively engage my students in learning experiences that promote a joy of discovery, a love of learning, and the confidence to achieve their fullest potential by utilizing the talents and abilities given to them by God.”
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Concordia University Wisconsin is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body, and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and the world. Our Education programs focus on optimizing your abilities to serve students, schools, and the community through education. We develop well-rounded educational professionals that can teach and lead in rural and urban communities. With a Christian-centered focus, relevant curriculum, and engaging faculty you can play a meaningful role in the world of education.