Alumni of the Year 2023
On May 3, 2023, Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School honored two of its alumni with the Alum of the Year award during its chapel service. The honorees were Averi (Harper) Robinson ’09 and Matt Merker ’02. The chapel service was a special moment for the school as it celebrated the accomplishments of these two outstanding individuals.
The chapel service began with a reflection by the Head of School, John Buck ’02, on LuHi’s Vision statement, “Long Island Lutheran Middle & High School is a family in Christ, working together to develop compassionate and educated leaders for the future.” Buck reminded the students of Jesus’ commandment to love God and love each other. The service then continued with worship led by Alumni of the Year recipient Matt Merker, who sang his hymn “He Will Hold Me Fast.”
During the service, Mr. Buck introduced the two honorees and shared their bios with the students. Averi (Harper) Robinson ’09 is the Deputy Political Director at ABC News, where she oversees campaign coverage and manages a team of reporters. Averi has covered several high-profile political events during her career, including the 2020 presidential election, the Democratic primary, and the general election. She is also an adjunct professor at New York University’s Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute.
Averi’s achievements at LuHi were also highlighted during the chapel service. She participated in Varsity Track and Field, served as the editor-in-chief of the Charger, captain of the Step Team, and Student Government Treasurer. She was also a member of the National Honor Society and JSA.
Matt Merker ’02, is the Director of Resources and Training for Getty Music, a Christian record label and events company in Nashville, TN. He is also the author of the book Corporate Worship: How the Church Gathers as God’s People. Matt is known for his hymns that are sung in churches around the world, including “He Will Hold Me Fast,” “Christ Our Hope in Life and Death,” and “I Will Wait for You (Psalm 130).”
During Matt’s time at LuHi, he participated in the jazz band, pep band, and pit band, and served as Student Council President in his senior year. He was also involved in chapel, several mission trips to Mexico, and numerous service projects. He was salutatorian of his class and received LuHi’s highest honor, the Pro Deo et Schola award.
The Alum of the Year chapel service was a fitting tribute to Averi and Matt. They both exemplify the values of LuHi’s Vision statement and have made significant contributions to their respective fields. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the students of LuHi, and the school is proud to call them alumni. The chapel service was a reminder that LuHi is more than just a school; it is a family in Christ that produces compassionate and educated leaders for the future.
To watch a recording of this service, please click here.