Lutheran schools prepare for weeklong celebration

Crazy hat parades, dress-up days and free homework passes are just a few ways local schools are celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week March 7 to 13.

"It's about giving thanks to God for our ability to worship and learn more about Him here at school," said Elizabeth Babchak, principal of Trinity Lutheran School in Cape Girardeau. "It's kind of neat to know everybody across the country is celebrating this at the same time."

Students from several Lutheran schools in Southeast Missouri will gather Sunday at the Perry Park Center in Perryville, Mo., for a special kickoff ceremony. After that, each school has various activities scheduled for each day of the week.

At Trinity Lutheran, Babchak said they've developed everything around a "growing" theme this year. Monday morning will be especially significant, as the school celebrates its 150th birthday by placing 150 blue and white signs in front of the building.

Throughout the week, students will attend special services, participate in extra reading sessions and have lunch with area ministers. School employees are also honored throughout the week with lunches.

At St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson, principal Delvin Meyr said the week will be spent recognizing how special their school is.

Like Trinity Lutheran, St. Paul has been here for more than 100 years and the history behind the school makes the national celebration that much more significant, Meyr said.

St. Paul will hold a variety of contests for students and give them a free homework day. On Tuesday, around 400 grandparents are scheduled to visit for grandparents' day.

Immanuel Lutheran School in Perryville will start the week with a crazy hats, unique socks and a volleyball game that pits the eighth grade against staff members.

The rest of the week will include a VIP day, on which students can brings a special person to class with them for a few hours, board games, contests and swimming at the Perry Park Center.

Celebrating heritage

"This is really an opportunity to share with our kids the importance of Lutheran education and Lutheran heritage," said principal Bill Unzicker. Immanuel Lutheran celebrates its 138th year this year.

At Saxony Lutheran High School in Cape Girardeau, special lunches will be provided by local churches. The week is designated as a "spirit week," with pajamas day, fake-an-injury day, hat and sunglasses day and wacky hair day.

"It's a lot of fun, but it's also a time to reflect on our Christian heritage and enjoy going to a parochial school," said principal Betty Deardorff.

cclark@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128