2025 Cadets in Cadence Auction Co-Chairs, Ryan & Sarah Hellinger
Ryan and Sarah have strong ties to our high school as two of their daughters, Ellie (’22) and Kate
(’25), are CLHS graduates, and their youngest daughter, Annie, will be a junior this year. Both
Ryan and Sarah attended Central Lutheran Grade School, graduated from New Haven High
School and attend Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, where Sarah has been a member
her entire life and Ryan for 25 years.
A bible verse that holds special meaning for their family is Romans 12:10 – “Be devoted to one
another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
As co-chairs of the 2022 Cadets in Cadence auction, Ryan and Sarah thoroughly enjoyed
connecting with fellow parents and supporters of the school’s mission. They are grateful for the
opportunity to continue giving back through this cherished event. They enjoy the festive spirit
of the evening—the elegant attire, the creative themes and (Sarah’s favorite) the ever-popular
dessert auction.
One of the highlights for them is the student spotlight segment, where heartfelt stories from CLHS
students consistently remind everyone in attendance of the deep, mutual impact between students
and the faculty and staff who support them. In addition to giving back through Cadets in Cadence,
Ryan and Sarah love attending and helping with the CLHS theatre program and supporting Cadet
athletics.
Beyond their involvement at the high school, they are committed to serving the broader community
in many ways. Ryan has served on the boards of Camp Lutherhaven and Central Lutheran, and has
also supported organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Building Contractors Association of
Northeast Indiana, and Emmanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven, to name a few. Their passion
for faith, service and community continues to shape the way they live and lead.
2025 Cadets in Cadence Auction Co-Chairs, Ben & Aimee Clinkenbeard
While Ben and Aimee are graduates of Snider and Bishop Dwenger, respectively, their hearts
and focus are firmly rooted in our high school. They currently have a senior at CLHS and a 6th -
grader at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and School. Ben and Aimee are proud to raise their two
sons, Will and Sam, as 7th -generation members of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church.
They strive to instill in them the values reflected in Will’s Confirmation verse: Matthew 5:16 -
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father
who is in Heaven.”
Over the years, they’ve enjoyed attending and being involved with many of Concordia’s theater
and fine arts performances, and supporting Cadet athletics. Ben also contributes his time and
leadership as a member of the Concordia Educational Foundation (CEF) board.
Giving back is a shared passion for Ben and Aimee. They’ve been active volunteers for
numerous school and church fundraisers and have also supported local campaigns for the Muscular
Dystrophy Association (MDA) and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).
During their son Will’s three years at CLHS, they’ve built strong connections with fellow parents and
staff, making their decision to help lead this year’s auction a natural and enthusiastic one. From dancing
guests and laughter-filled stories to cold beverages and community spirit, the Clinkenbeards love seeing
auction attendees relax and enjoy themselves—all while supporting a great cause. Drawing inspiration
from past events, they are eager to raise the bar even higher in 2025!