Alumni Awards
Each year, Concordia Lutheran High School recognizes and honors the outstanding achievements of alumni who have made significant contributions to their careers and community or have been instrumental in serving the high school.
For questions about submitting a nomination or if are interested in being a part of the Alumni Awards Committee, please contact Audrey Gilbert at (260) 483-1102, ext. 217, or [email protected].
Nominations for the 2024 Awards are now closed. Click here to see a full list of past Alumni Award winners.
Distinguished Alumnus Award (highest honor)
Candidate must be a CLHS graduate who has demonstrated an ongoing dedication to Christian principles and the church, with both lifetime and personal achievement. This award is given yearly.
Distinguished Service Award
The candidate must be a CLHS graduate with a record of dedicated support, activity, and service to the ministry of CLHS. This will be awarded when nominations allow.
Neale M. Shank Award
Candidate must be 40 or younger by December 31 and have made significant contributions to their given career, community, church, or Concordia Lutheran High School. This will be awarded as nominations allow.
About Neale Morgan Shank
Neale M. Shank was born in Kendallville, Ind., to Mike and Jacquelyn Shank on April 26, 1981. After attending Concordia Lutheran Elementary School, Neale moved on to Concordia Lutheran High School. While attending Concordia Lutheran High School, Neale was heavily involved in the Army JROTC Cadet Battalion. He was a member of the Adventure Team and commanded the CLHS Snap Squad during his senior year. Neale achieved the rank of c/Major before graduating in 1999. During his senior year, Neale enlisted in the Army’s delayed entry program and reported for active duty in August of that year.
Neale was admitted to West Point in July 2001 where he majored in Civil Engineering. While attending West Point, Neale graduated from the Basic Airborne Course, Ft. Benning, Ga. Neale was an exacting taskmaster for his charges but also had a great sense of compassion. He had an inner desire to mentor cadets and soldiers wherever he was assigned.
Neale exemplified a Christian attitude and spirit of heart as a Cadet at Concordia Lutheran High School, a soldier in the United States Army, a USMA Cadet, and an Officer serving his country in Iraq. Neale was taken from us by a tragic accident on March 30, 2007, in Baghdad, Iraq.