Samuel “Sam” Eckman is the inaugural principal of Christ the King Lutheran High School, opening Fall 2026. With over two decades of experience in Lutheran education, he is deeply committed to Christ-centered learning, relationship-driven leadership, and long-term faith formation. Born in Thailand and raised on his family’s farm in South Alabama, Sam is one of four Eagle Scout brothers and a proud Auburn Tiger fan. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Education from Concordia University Nebraska and a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Concordia University Portland. Since 2005, he has served at Immanuel Lutheran School in Washington, Missouri, as a 7th-grade teacher and most recently as Assistant Principal. Called in 2025 to serve as the founding principal of Christ the King Lutheran High School, Sam is dedicated to building a sustainable, Christ-centered environment supported by compassionate teachers and students. He and his wife, Robbi, have been married nearly 20 years and live in Washington, Missouri, with their children, Daphne and Dylan, and their dog, Winona “Winnie,” and are active members of Immanuel Lutheran Church.