A Word of Gratitude and Celebration for President Brad Hoganson

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy, I want to express our profound gratitude to President Brad Hoganson and “the first lady of Hillcrest,” Traci Hoganson, for their faithful commitment and transformative service to our school. When Brad stepped in as President, he did so with the heart of a pastor—and that pastoral care was exactly what our campus community needed.

During his tenure, Brad worked tirelessly to build morale among our students, families, and staff. He poured his passion for Christ and Christian education into every corner of Hillcrest, instilling a new confidence in our mission to equip students for lives of eternal significance. Under Brad’s leadership, our students flourished in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment that remains true to the vision passed down from the Church of the Lutheran Brethren.

One of Brad’s key accomplishments was relaunching our fundraising campaign and galvanizing supporters in our local churches and beyond. His collaborative spirit and clear communication helped reinforce that Hillcrest is steadfast in our original calling: raising generations of faith-filled men and women whose lives reflect Christ’s love. Brad has engaged and built trust with our partnering congregations, championing the theology we steward and strengthening the relationships crucial to our shared ministry.

Brad and Traci will continue their faithful commitment to the Church of the Lutheran Brethren, joining the ministry of Hillside Lutheran Brethren Church in Succasunna, New Jersey, this summer. While we will deeply miss their warm presence and dedicated leadership here at Hillcrest, we know the Lord will use their gifts to bless the community at Hillside in extraordinary ways.

We thank God for Brad and Traci’s friendship and for the spiritual guidance they have given us. Their time at Hillcrest has marked a season of unwavering devotion to Christ’s work, and we look forward to celebrating Brad and Traci’s ministry here as they prepare to pass the baton to the next leader God has chosen for Hillcrest Lutheran Academy. Please join us in celebrating Brad and Traci’s service to Hillcrest and lift the Hogansons in prayer as they embark on this exciting new endeavor.

With deepest gratitude,

Jeffrey Langness
Chairman, Board of Directors
Hillcrest Lutheran Academy