The Lutheran Schools Partnership has awarded its 2022 Educator of the Year Award to Mrs. Natalie Reynolds of Lutheran South Unity School (LSUS) in Fort Wayne.
Mrs. Reynolds teaches Art and Music to the students at Lutheran South Unity, but she does so much more. In the words of Principal Sheila Nehrenz, “Natalie has demonstrated a life of service. She has a passion for reaching out and helping those who need it no matter the task. She seeks to serve. Whether she is serving students, families, staff, or church members she does it with pure joy. She even started a group called JOY where she has students serving others. Natalie is genuine. If there is something she can't do she will find someone who can. She will use her resourcefulness to fill a need. If a student needs an instrument, she will find one. If a student needs a ride she will pick them up. If a staff member needs to switch class periods, she will make the switch. This servant attitude is one to live by. She not only demonstrates it, but lives it. Her attitude and service has impacted not only my life, but the lives of those she touches.”
Mrs. Reynolds is a graduate of Concordia University in Seward, Nebraska. She currently teaches Fine Arts at Lutheran South Unity, where she has served since 2003, first as a Kindergarten teacher and then beginning the Fine Arts program at LSUS in 2014. She and her husband, Doug, who is the Music Director at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, are the parents of four children, including daughter Jennifer Porath, who also serves in northeast Indiana as the Director of Bands at Concordia Lutheran High School.
