Donna Lucas Named 2026 Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year
Donna Lucas, principal of Abiding Savior Lutheran School in Lake Forest, California, has been named the winner of the 2026 Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year. Presented by Lutheran Special Education Ministries, the award recognizes the efforts of principals in Christian schools who demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of students with learning differences within their school. 
Donna is a 43-year veteran of Lutheran education, having served at LCMS schools in Missouri, Michigan, Ohio, Maryland, and California. For the past 22 years, Donna has served as an administrator, with the last 13 years of ministry at Abiding Savior. Donna completed her undergraduate degree at Concordia University, Seward, Nebraska, in 1983. She later earned her master’s degree from Concordia University, Irvine, California in 2008. In 2006, Wheatridge Ministries presented Donna with their Flock of Eagles Award, recognizing her as one of the nation’s top urban Lutheran school administrators. Donna is married to the Rev. Glenn Lucas, and they have three adult children: Terry, Micah, and Aaron.
When asked about her leadership philosophy Donna spoke of the importance of inclusion. “I believe that Christian schools should be accessible to all children. Jesus did not put stipulations on what children should come to Him. True mission reaches as many people as possible. God has created us all with different abilities and gifts, the more inclusive we can be the better we show the love and grace of our Lord and Savior to the communities around us.”
In her nomination letter, Mrs. Lucas was hailed as an administrator who, cares about and recognizes each student, seeking to build a culture where individuals of all abilities are supported and valued.” Donna is also credited for having a strong desire to know all her students as individuals, building relationships with families from the beginning of their time at Abiding Savior. She was also hailed as a principal who strives to be a source of support for her teachers, one of whom called her, “a true servant leader and an inspiration.”
Lutheran Special Education Ministries is a Recognized Service Organization of the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod. Since 1873, LSEM has helped students successfully overcome learning challenges. LSEM created this award in 2023 to honor Christian school administrators who strive to meet the needs of all learners within their school. The award is named after Charles Winterstein, a distinguished educational leader who served in Lutheran K-12 schools and universities as well as at the district and national levels. Chuck was a friend and mentor to many who serve in Lutheran schools today, as well as a staunch supporter of the ministry work of LSEM.
Previous Recipients
Matthew Couser Wins 2nd Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year Award
Matthew Couser, principal of Our Savior Lutheran School in Lansing, Michigan, has been named the winner of the 2024 Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year.
Presented by Lutheran Special Education Ministries, the award recognizes the efforts of principals in Christian schools who demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of students with learning differences within their school.
Matthew is a 2001 graduate of Valparaiso University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. He has also earned a Master of Arts in School Principalship degree from Central Michigan University in 2009. Matthew and his wife Katie have three children, Ryan, Micah, and Ella.
Matthew has been a Lutheran educator for twenty years. He began his teaching career teaching fifth grade at Our Savior, Lansing. After eight years in the classroom, Matthew was hired to serve as the school’s principal, a position he has held for the last twelve years. Matthew was recognized by the
Michigan District – LCMS as their Principal of the Year in 2023.
In the nomination letters, Mr. Couser was hailed as, “a strong advocate of providing resources for students with learning disabilities and those needing support in their learning.” Another parent said, “Matt has created a culture of caring in our school that embraces students with the love of Christ. Every child is precious to him as they are to God, and he wants our school to do whatever is within our power to help them succeed.” Another nominee shared that “Matt works tirelessly to serve the students and families of our school community with a humble heart and contagious joy for Jesus!”
Thomas Wrege Wins 1st Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year Award
Thomas Wrege, principal of Zion Lutheran School in Walburg, Texas, has been named the winner of the first annual 2023 Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year. Presented by Lutheran Special Education Ministries, the award is designed to recognize the efforts of principals in Christian schools who demonstrate a commitment to meeting the needs of students with learning differences in their school.
Wrege, who originally hails from North Tonawanda, New York, enlisted in the United States Air Force out of high school. He served our country for four years as a nuclear and conventional munitions expert of both the B-52 and F-4 aircraft, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. After being honorably discharged, Tom earned his bachelor’s degree from Concordia University, Nebraska in 1985, and a master’s degree from Butler University in Indianapolis in 1989. He is currently pursuing a doctorate from Concordia University, Wisconsin.
Tom was named a 2013 winner of the National Distinguished Principal Award, presented annually by the United States Department of Education. He was also a finalist for the Texas District (LCMS) Educator of the Year in 2021.
Tom has been a Lutheran educator for thirty-eight years, serving schools in Kansas, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Michigan, and Texas. For twenty-three of those years, Tom has served as principal. Over the years, Tom has worked hard to grow in his abilities as he served God through his schools and is well respected among his peers throughout the Missouri Synod. An outstanding leader, Tom was named a 2013 winner of the National Distinguished Principal Award, presented annually by the United States Department of Education. He was also a finalist for the Texas District (LCMS) Educator of the Year in 2021.
Tom was commended by the people who nominated him for the Winterstein Award for providing a standard of leadership and a vision to the school community that placed a premium upon inclusion for students with learning differences. This emphasis was noted by one of Tom’s nominators who wrote, “Mr. Wrege is a champion of students with learning disabilities. He works with parents who are looking to place their student with learning needs at Zion into a community of warmth, love, and acceptance.”
Tom, along with his wife Keven, will receive the award on June 15, 2023, at the Lutheran Special Education Ministries 150th Anniversary Banquet in Detroit. The award is named after Charles Winterstein, a distinguished educational leader who served within Lutheran K-12 schools and universities as well as at the district and national level. Chuck was a friend and mentor to many who serve in Lutheran schools today, as well as a staunch supporter of the ministry work of LSEM.