Lutheran Education Association’s 2018 Distinguished Lutheran Elementary Administrator award is Kevin Creutz. At the time of the selection, Mr. Creutz was principal of Central Lutheran School in New Haven. However, Mr. Creutz recently accepted a call to serve as Superintendent of Schools for the LCMS Ohio District beginning his new position in February. Last week, Mr. Creutz returned to Central where Dr. Jonathan Laabs, Executive Director for LEA, presented the award to Mr. Creutz during chapel. Of the award, Mr. Creutz said, “This is quite an honor to be recognized in this way; but the way I look at this is it’s not so much about me. This is an award for Central. This is something we all share in.”
In his message to the student body, Mr. Creutz said: “I’ve been thinking about what Central’s story is. What is Central all about? And there are two things I kept going back to. Number one: it’s all about who Jesus is. We talk about that every single day. That is a blessing here at Central. We talk about who Jesus is and what he’s done for us. The other part of Central’s story is who you are going to become. It was a joy for seven years to see all of you grow up. I think about the 7th and 8th graders----you were in 1st and 2nd grade when I got here--I’ve seen you grow up and represent your school and yourself and your Lord and Savior so well. The Lord has blessed you in who you are today. 2nd and 3rd graders: you were the very first students in our preschool. And look at what you did this year in the Operetta! All the time and preparation to perform and share God’s love with hundreds of people. Just another example of how you are growing as Children of God, and you are becoming awesome people who will serve the Lord no matter what you do.” Mr. Creutz earned a Bachelor of Arts from Concordia University, Chicago and a Master of Educational Administration from Concordia University, Nebraska. Mr. Creutz is a 2007 School Leadership Development (SLED) graduate and a 2012-2013 Fellow in the Van Lunen Center, an Executive Management Training Program for Christian School leaders. Mr. Creutz’s first call was to Zion Lutheran Church and School in St. Charles, Missouri, where he served as junior high math teacher, athletic director, technology coordinator and assistant principal.In 2011, Mr. Creutz was called to be principal at Central Lutheran School. During his nearly seven years serving as principal, Mr. Creutz led Central in starting a preschool program and led the building project that included an early childhood wing, new school office, and gymnasium. One parent commented, “As principal, he sets the tone of the school. He leads with strength and compassion. We take great comfort in knowing that our children spend their days in a school led by a man of such moral character. He is respected by parents, students, and fellow faculty.”In support of his nomination, one colleague said, “Kevin is a dedicated leader to his faculty and staff, as he carries out his professionalism serving the Lord as a called church worker. He daily models his faith and promotes Lutheran education in all he does. Mr. Creutz has a passion for the students he serves at Central. He knows every child by name as he welcomes each of them to school in the morning while directing morning arrival. Throughout the week you will find Mr. Creutz walking the halls while talking with kids and showing up to the MANY, many after school events where he supports all different extracurricular activities.”
