Alyse Swartz February 27, 2007

My Beginning

Hi, my name is Alyse and I have been going to St. Paul since I was in kindergarten. When I was younger, I never realized just how great St. Paul really was. I was not aware of the strong Christian atmosphere, the welcoming feeling, or the amazing education. All I knew was that I felt like I belonged at St. Paul and I was very comfortable.

St. Paul is most definitely a Christian school. Every event in this building has to do with Jesus Christ, out Lord and Savior. I really like that. Whenever we have basketball or volleyball games, we always pray before the game begins. That really reflects on who we are. We are never afraid to thank God, ask God, or praise God. That is daily activity at my school.

Whenever I walk into school in the morning, my principal Mr. Purdy, is always holding the door open with his bright smile greeting every person that is coming to school. And, he even knows our names! That can make a difference in somebody’s day. Mr. Purdy is always smiling and saying “good morning, watch your step, it may be a bit slippery.” It is such a good feeling to walk in the building, have some body smiling at you, showing they care about you, and you haven’t even started your day! I like that feeling and look forward to seeing Mr. Purdy. Also, whenever I go to class, it always starts off with some kind of opening, whether it is a prayer or some type of conversation. For example, during the few weeks before and

after the Ohio State and Michigan game, Mr. Lehrke and a few of my classmates always had a 10 minute discussion on who was better; Ohio State or Michigan. This went on for a while, and it was in both my history and religion class too! That is another positive about St. Paul. We have such a strong student- teacher relationship. I feel comfortable going to teachers to ask them questions, and I know they feel comfortable asking me questions. It is so great to feel as if your teacher is also your friend. I feel that at St. Paul.

The education at St. Paul is amazing! My teachers always make learning interesting and sometimes fun! And most important, they refer to God in daily classroom time. God is always a apart of our day. Whether we are studying history, language arts, math or science, God is always present and always included in our daily conversations. The teachers are always willing to take the time to help the students. If something is hard to understand, I am never afraid to ask for help. Our teachers are Christians and they show it, every day.

Next year I will be moving on to Lutheran High School West, and I will miss St. Paul. I will miss Mr. Purdy greeting me, and the familiar halls of St. Paul. But I also know that I will be going to another wonderful Christian school. I feel that St. Paul Lutheran School has prepared me for my next step in life. I also know that God will be with me as I leave the familiar and enter the new. That is what I have learned. No matter where I am, or what I am doing, my Lord will always be there with me. So, the unknown will not be so scary and the familiar will always be in my thoughts.

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As I graduate from 8”’ grade I will take with me some very wonderful memories. I know how important it has been for me to begin my education in a Christian school and what a wonderful beginning it has been! Thank you to my school, to my teachers, and to my church family. Without the support of my church, St. Paul school would not exist. Our congregation believes in the power of Christ centered education. Thank you so much for your continued support of my education.

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