At Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS) nearly 700 students, from age 6 weeks through 8th grade, and their families experience a community of learning, serving, and belonging. As an association school of four churches at four campuses located in central St. Louis County (Kirkwood, Webster, Crestwood and Glendale), CCLS’ focus is both Christ-centered community and academic excellence. Through faithful teachers, leaders, pastors, and families, a vision to transform lives by God’s grace through Jesus, is evidenced in examples of serving leadership.
The Dankenbring Family
For the Dankenbring family, CCLS is more than a school—it is a family tradition and a generational community. Jim Dankenbring attended CCLS when it was known as Concordia School, followed by his son, Tom, and eventually his grandchildren. When Tom and his wife Anna welcomed their first child in 2010, they knew they wanted their children to experience the same Christ-centered education that had shaped their own experiences.
Over the years, Tom and Anna have watched CCLS impact their children in the classroom, on the athletic fields, and in their faith. They appreciate CCLS’ whole-person approach that instills Christian values at every level. Yet what they praise most is the people. As former CCLS Board President, Tom often heard newcomers say they never knew what an incredible community of families CCLS was, or how welcomed they would feel.
That warm welcome is servant leadership in action: families, teachers, and staff giving of themselves so others feel deeply known, valued, and loved. The Dankenbrings’ favorite CCLS memory, the 50th Anniversary Gala, gathered current families, grandparents, alumni, former staff and board members in one room, bringing together generations connected by a shared mission.
Macy Hurst, CCLS Alumna
With pigtails in her hair and a CCLS jersey tucked in her shorts, Macy (Schelp) Hurst ran her first cross country race at six years old. She held an index card with her name on it as her bib number and ran the quarter-mile grass loop. In sixth grade, she dissected her first frog. Both of those experiences shaped the trajectory of her life. Hurst never stopped running. She went on to win four state championships at Lutheran High School South and then competed for the University of Alabama, winning two SEC cross country team titles. She graduated as valedictorian of her high school class and published a paper based on fish dissections in a scientific journal during college. And it all started at CCLS. Today, Hurst is still lacing up her sneakers and wearing a lab coat. She teaches science at a Christian school and coaches cross country and track. CCLS teachers and coaches inspired her to strive for excellence in everything she did, encouraging her to use her unique gifts to serve others.
Brody Burns, CCLS Middle School Student
Leadership doesn’t begin after graduation for CCLS students; it is ingrained in daily curriculum through the Character Formation Project, where students learn that leadership is about living out their faith through service to others. Middle schooler Brody Burns was last year’s recipient of CCLS’ Civic Character Formation Project award. Brody studied lessons of leadership through the lens of a historical figure, Christopher Jones, Captain of the Mayflower, and applied those lessons into service, working with Christian Friends of New Americans to build beds for families in need. Brody also prepared and led a middle school chapel, sharing a Christ-centered expression of his faith with his peers. Lutheran Elementary School Association awarded Brody its 2026 Christian Leadership Award.
Dee Dawson
For middle school math teacher Dee Dawson, CCLS is a place where students know they belong and discover how their unique, given gifts can serve a greater purpose.
Dee has seen a greater purpose unfold in her life that ultimately benefited her CCLS students. A college coding class taken merely to fulfill a degree requirement became the spark for her to launch a student coding program. Later, industry connections at Geographic Information Systems (GIS) cleared the path for her to introduce students to drone and technology competitions.
The impact of the drone league goes beyond technology. Students find belonging on their teams as they solve problems, share ideas and encourage one another, learning their skills can benefit their communities. In 2025, Dee helped bring the first drone competition to the St. Louis area, welcoming 22 teams from across Missouri to Kirkwood. Students have shared their ideas with the community and nation through coding competitions.
Honored as the 2025 LEA Distinguished Lutheran Middle School Teacher, a four-time Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science finalist and 2023 Esri Teacher Award recipient, Dee remains grounded in a simple truth: “God’s mercies are new each day.”
The Alsobrook Family
When Michelle and Micah Alsobrook began searching for a preschool, they wanted more than strong academics. They wanted their children to be known, loved, and encouraged to embrace their unique identities, with faith woven naturally into daily education.
From their first visit, Christ Community Lutheran School (CCLS) stood out for its genuine warmth and joyful atmosphere. Teachers regularly share sweet updates or funny stories with Michelle and Micah. “We know our children are cared for, prayed for, and loved while they are at school, and that means everything to us.”
Through chapel, Fall Fest, sports, and volunteering, CCLS has become a hub for the entire family. Above all, the Alsobrooks value that their children are learning compassion and servant leadership through everyday school life.
Lilah Halveland
For CCLS Resource Teacher Lilah Halveland, living out her faith often takes place on a basketball court. Her father began volunteering with Special Olympics Missouri in college, turning it into a family calling. Twenty years later, the Halveland family still serves the St. Louis Falcons, a team promoting inclusion for athletes with unique abilities.
Soon, the Falcons will begin practicing at the CCLS gym—a tradition over a decade strong. CCLS basketball coaches and players join Lilah to assist the athletes, learn together, and build lasting friendships. It is servant leadership in action: CCLS students and staff ensuring these athletes feel seen, valued, and loved, one practice at a time.
“The community itself inspires you to stay active in it, especially given all the incredible relationships.” - Tom Dankenbring
“My hope is that students leave CCLS knowing how deeply our Lord loves them and the new life in Christ we have.” - Dee Dawson
“CCLS feels less like a school we chose and more like a community we are blessed to be part of.” - Michelle Alsobrook
"Playing alongside the Falcons changed my perspective on life. They showed me how much inclusion matters and inspire me every single day."
— Lilah Halveland