Blessed Leadership

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Blessed Leadership

  • December 3, 2025
  • Posted by: Rebecca Lichtenberg
  • Category: Wow Story
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~written by Linda Schumacher, LSEM teacher at St. Michael Lutheran School in Wayne, MI~

Every year LSEM awards The Charles A. Winterstein Administrator of the Year to a principal who demonstrates a commitment to meeting the needs of all learners in the school community.  As I looked at the criteria of the award, I decided to nominate Angela Swazey, the principal of St. Michael Lutheran School in Wayne, Michigan.  I had no trouble finding teachers and parents to write letters of recommendation.  We completed and submitted the nomination.

Fast forward to April of 2025. St. Michael Lutheran Church agreed to host an LSEM Sunday. These are events where the congregation invites LSEM staff members to come teach church members about the ministry, providing them an opportunity to support LSEM as well.  During the service, LSEM had time to speak about the ministry.  Angela came forward as well to speak about the importance of the program at St. Michael.  When she finished speaking, LSEM President/CEO Stacy McGhee spoke.  It was at that moment I learned that Angela was the recipient of the award.  Angela also had no idea that she had won or that she was going to be presented with the award that day.

Angela works hard to create an environment where all students can learn and find success.  Students can get a hug or high-five to start their day.   She is present in the classrooms to support teachers and to lend a helping hand, especially when a student is having a difficult moment in their day.  It is also not uncommon for students to be in her office when they need a quiet space to reset themselves.

Having an administrator in your building who prioritizes the needs of students is invaluable and it makes my job as an LSEM resource room teacher easier.  Angela understands the value of having a partnership with LSEM to meet the needs of her students. Families don’t have to make the choice of giving their children a Lutheran education or going to a school that can meet their needs.  You can have them both at St. Michael Lutheran in Wayne, Michigan.