Alumni Spotlight - Mike Lerchenfeldt, Class of 2003

When did you attend Lamphere? What year did you graduate? What schools did you attend?
I attended Lessenger Elementary School, John Page Middle School, and Lamphere High School (Class of 2003). 

Where do you live now?
I live in Rochester Hills, Michigan 

Tell us about what you've been doing since graduation. (Work, College, Travel etc):
Mike and SarahOakland University (OU) eventually became my home away from home. My favorite OU memory is living in the on-campus residence halls and having fun with friends. We enjoyed working out at the recreation center and playing sports. My prideful accomplishment is completing my internship in New Zealand and sharing that experience with my students. When I graduated from the OU’s School of Education and Human Services (SEHS) in 2008, I felt knowledgeable and ready to have a positive impact on future students.





Since 2008, I have been a Math and Science Teacher at Chippewa Valley School’s Iroquois Middle School. Why do I teach, you ask? I teach, because it is a highly rewarding and fulfilling profession. Teachers have one of the most important, meaningful, and purpose-driven jobs of anyone today. We share valuable information and important skills to encourage a love of learning that will serve students the rest of their lives. I do this work because I am committed to having a positive impact on the future of each student that I serve.


I recently earned my masters degree from Saginaw Valley State University and was named a fellow for the America Achieves’ Michigan Educator Voice Fellowship. By including educators in the policy-making process, the fellowship elevates the public’s perception of the education profession. As participants, fellows deliver their message about public education through such avenues as columns in local newspapers, testifying in committee hearings, and making presentations to civic organizations. I have had my columns published in the Detroit News, Oakland Press, and Macomb Daily. 

Tell us about your family and/or hobbies:
Mike & Sarah wedding photoI met my wife, Sarah, at Lessenger Elementary School while in kindergarten. We were in most of the same classes through fifth grade, and when we were at John Page Middle School, our lockers were right next to each other for those three years. After school, our parents would take turns driving us to catechism together at St. Dennis Catholic Church. She attended a different high school and college, but we reconnected on Facebook during our senior year of college. When I saw her again after all that time, her beauty astonished me. 


I proposed to Sarah at the main entrance of Lessenger Elementary School where we first met, and we were married on August 7th, 2010. I love Sarah because she is a very caring person, an amazing listener, and a hard worker. She inspires me everyday to give my best effort with my family, friends, and career. She is now an Assistant Professor of Biomedical Sciences (Pharmacology) at Oakland University’s William Beaumont School of Medicine. We are parishioners at St. Irenaeus Catholic Church. 


Baby EmilyWe have enjoyed traveling the United States and Western Europe. We just recently became parents to our beautiful baby girl, Emily Claire. She was born on January 12th, 2017 at 2:05 AM, 6 lb. 14 oz. 19.5 in. We are in love! We also are in love with our dog, Travis. He is an Australian Shepherd Mix who enjoys going on long walks, chasing squirrels, and dressing up for Halloween. My younger brother, Steve, went to Lamphere Schools (Class of 2007). My parents, Jim and Sally, still live in Madison Heights. 

How did your years at Lamphere affect your life?
I enjoyed my years in the Lamphere Schools. I played sports – soccer, basketball, and track. I became interested in the outdoors and fitness. The friendships and sense of community provided me with a solid foundation. My teachers encouraged me to explore my curiosities and celebrated my successes. 









If you had a message for current Lamphere students what would it be?

Mike and his dogBe motivated and work hard for the future, but make sure you are living life in the moment. Try different roles until you find your niche. Spend time with different people and in various extracurricular activities. Use your hobbies and passions as a guide.