Welcome, Debby Burge
Debby Burge
Lutheran North
Art Teacher
We are thrilled to welcome Debby Burge to the Lutheran North family as our new Art Teacher! Debby brings a passion for creativity and inspiring students to explore their artistic talents. We are excited to have her join our faculty and look forward to the creativity, energy, and inspiration she will bring to our students and Mustang community!
I grew up about an hour and a half west of LHN in the small town of Pinckney, Michigan. I attended Concordia University Ann Arbor, where I earned my BA in K-12 Art Education and met my husband, Ben. We will celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary this month and have three kids. Our oldest daughter, Magnolia, is a freshman at LHN, and our son Barrett and daughter Dahlia attend Trinity Clinton Township. We moved from the Cincinnati area last summer as Ben became the senior pastor at TCT. Throughout my career, God has led me to teach art in many classrooms and studios, though my last decade was spent teaching at Immanuel Lutheran School in Hamilton, Ohio. I am thrilled to join the incredible staff of LHN and am looking forward to a memorable year!
Please warmly welcome Debby as a Mustang and get to know her through our Staff Spotlight 20 Questions below!
Staff Spotlight: debby burge
20 QUESTIONS
What’s your role at Lutheran North?
Art Teacher
Where are you from?
Pinckney, Michigan
When did you know that you wanted to be in the Lutheran high school environment and what led you to pursue that path?
In high school, I took every art class I could, so when it came time to choose a college major, art education was the only path I considered. My experience with Lutheran education began in college, where I came to value learning in a Christ-centered classroom and discovered how my faith and love of art could come together. I am thrilled to begin my first year at LHN, helping students grow as artists and recognize that, as God’s image-bearers, creativity is woven into who we are.
What’s your favorite Bible verse?
Romans 8:38-39 - For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What are three words to best describe you?
Caring, Creative, Funny
What was the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?
I used to teach English online to children in China. My classes were in the middle of the night due to the time difference, but it was very interesting to chat with students across the world and learn about their culture. (I should mention that it was full immersion- I only know how to say "hi" in Mandarin!)
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I have run two marathons and a handful of half marathons. The hardest part of running a marathon is figuring out how to bring it up in every conversation I have, so I admit this talent isn't very hidden.
If you could choose a superpower, what would it be?
Definitely time travel. I would love to zap back and re-experience sweet memories with my family or fast forward so I can skip boring stuff, like waiting in line at the DMV.
What’s your favorite food?
I could eat birria or fish tacos every day of the week.
What’s your least favorite food?
I am not picky, so the list is very small, but once I tried steak tartare and quickly realized that was not for me!
What’s your favorite place that you’ve traveled and why?
San Juan, Puerto Rico. The colorful buildings, flowers, and beaches were breathtaking.
Where would you like to travel next and why?
I would love to bop around Europe for a few weeks. It would be incredible to see beautiful art, enjoy the delicious food, and take in a few football matches.
What’s a fun fact about you many people may not know?
I love to snowboard any chance I can.
What’s one hobby you’d like to get into?
I would love to learn how to make stained glass.
What’s your favorite sport to watch and which team do you root for?
Definitely soccer! I played during my time at CUAA, and still love to play indoor soccer. My favorite team to root for is FC Cincinnati.
Are you an early bird or a night owl?
A bit of both, but there is something very magical about a bright, crisp morning.
Are you a dog person or a cat person (neither or both)?
I have an old hound dog named Otis who enjoys lots of cat naps, so he is the best of both worlds.
What’s one of your favorite memories from the past year?
My family moved from Cincinnati last summer, so we have made lots of wonderful Michigan memories. But honestly, what I will treasure most about this past year is experiencing God's provision and faithfulness through His people.
What’s the best advice you were ever given? Who was it from?
Many wise Midwesterners have taught me this mantra, and it hasn't failed me yet: Never pass on a bower!
Is there any advice you’d offer to current and future Lutheran North students?
High school can be an intense time, and there may be moments when you feel anxious about your abilities, your future, or what comes next. If you ever feel overwhelmed or uncertain, remember: trust God’s plans and promises for you (Jeremiah 29:11), honor Him by working faithfully and wholeheartedly (Colossians 3:23), and love one another as Christ has loved you (John 13:34–35).
LHN ALUM Bonus Question: What was your favorite class at Lutheran North and why?
English -- The teachers at North were amazing, and they did an excellent job immersing you in the significance of each novel. The best way I can describe it is... it felt like you were actually in the book, following along with the plot.
