Heartland Lutheran High School acquired by Trinity Lutheran Church; to change name next school year

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. – A Grand Island Lutheran School will have a new name and mascot beginning next school year after forming a new unified Lutheran school alliance. 

Officials with Heartland Lutheran High School announced Monday morning that the school will become Grand Island Lutheran School at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. 

Their mascot will change from the Red Hornets to the Lightning. 

According to a news release, the Trinity Lutheran Church council and congregation, as well as the delegates of Heartland Lutheran High School voted in favor of an acquisition of the high school by Trinity Lutheran.

“We are thrilled to be making this exciting announcement,” said Trinity Lutheran Principal Andy Rathe. “After a year of working with all the parties involved, we are ready to celebrate the future of Lutheran education under one umbrella.”

A new organization, Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools, has been formed, and on July 1 will officially unite Trinity Lutheran School with the newly named Grand Island Lutheran High.

Trinity Lutheran will become a PreK-6 school and Lutheran High will be a grade 7-12 school.

By combining Trinity Lutheran and the high school, there will be a unified Pre-K through 12th grade Lutheran option in Grand Island for the first time.

“Many people didn’t realize Trinity and Heartland Lutheran were separate school organizations,” said Rathe. “Heartland Lutheran has had a wonderful 25 years serving the area. Trinity Lutheran has been around for more than 140 years. We’re looking forward to the next 140 years together as Central Nebraska Lutheran Schools.”

Heartland Lutheran will operate under its current name and mascot for the remainder of the 2024-25 school year.