Lutheran South High School, 9515 Tesson Ferry Road, held a ribbon cutting for its brand new performing arts center, the Jubel Center for the Arts, on Feb. 27. 

“It’s a joy and privilege for me to serve as the head of the school at such a time as this at Lutheran South. God’s clearly been working in and through our school for 67 years, but the way that he’s opened the floodgates of blessings in the last several years has been nothing short of miraculous,” Lutheran South Head of School Jonathan Butterfield said. 

The expansion is approximately 39,000 square feet, with space for a 626-seat theater, music and art rooms, a studio for the school’s digital journalism program, a new lobby and grand entrance to the school. The theater will also serve as the chapel for school-wide worship, previously held in the gym.

The $18 million performing arts center was funded through a large donation from the Darren C. Jubel Charitable Foundation as well as other donor support.

Melissa Markwort, the niece of Darren Jubel, was in attendance to represent the Jubel family and to share some words. As her father, Don Jubel, could not make it to the ribbon cutting ceremony, Markwort read a letter from him expressing his thoughts on the project.

“When it came to deciding who would be the beneficiary of his estate, my brother almost immediately said Lutheran South. When I asked him why, he stated, ‘They were always so kind to me.’ The Bible mentions kindness many times. Colossians 3:12 states, ‘Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.’ This school did all of these things for my brother, and to that, I am deeply appreciative,” Jubel wrote. “Our family was blessed by the Christian love from this school to my brother, and we are so proud to see those blessings continue for future generations. God’s blessings to Lutheran High South and all of you.”