LAKE STEVENS — Zion Lutheran School’s gym was transformed into a concert hall Tuesday night when the school held a benefit to raise money for two longtime teachers.
Mark and Arta Rose Lucas, of Sultan, former teachers who began working at the school in the late 1970s, have both had medical issues that recently required hospitalization.
The benefit was organized to raise money and assist the couple with medical bills.
“They put the welfare of the school and church before their own. So much of what they did was for others,” said Christine Heike, a teacher at Zion who first met Mark Lucas in 1978 during a Bible study he held about rock and roll music.
“It feels so wonderful to be able to make a positive contribution to their lives.”
Zion students greeted guests at the door, handing out information about the night’s guest musicians, pianist Steve Hall and harpist Bronn Journey.
About 150 people attended the benefit, raising more than $6,000 so far, according to event coordinator and parent volunteer Rhonda Petterson. Donations are still being accepted.
Thrivent, a faith-based, nonprofit financial services organization, has agreed to match 50 cents of every dollar donated, up to $3,200, according to Ann Jensen, administrative assistant
“We have gotten great support from the school and church,” Mark Lucas said.
Mark Lucas began teaching at Zion, after moving from Chicago with his wife, in the 1970s.
“If it was for a cause, Mark was more than willing to put himself on the line,” said Heike. “That’s the kind of person he was.”
To encourage his students to read, Mark Lucas, who taught third grade until he retired recently, developed the book fair challenge.
If his class read the required number of books set for the year, he would do something in return.
One year, he agreed to kiss a frog in front of the whole school if students met the book quota. Then there was the time he shaved his beard, which had been part of his face for many years.
“That was a huge motivation,” Heike said. “The kids could not wait to see it happen.”
Arta Rose Lucas, who taught sixth grade, left Zion in the 1980s to care for her mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer.
Lynne Hereth, now Zion’s principal, started working at the school in 1985 as a replacement for Arta Rose Lucas.
“She ran a tight ship and held students accountable for their learning and writing,” Hereth said.
“I still hear, to this day, that she was the ‘best English teacher ever.’ ”
Arta Rose Lucas got involved with a number of organizations before medical issues left her unable to work.
She is remembered for changing the term “day care” to “child care” at Zion, stating “we care for children, not days.”
“They were old-school, dedicated teachers and ministers in the community. Sadly, illness has slowed them down, and they now seem to be sustained by their incredible love for each other,” Hereth said.
How to help
Donations for Mark and Arta Rose Lucas can be mailed to Zion Lutheran School or dropped off on the campus at 3923 103 Ave. SE, Lake Stevens.
For more information, call 425-334-5064 or go to www.zioneverett.org
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