Local Lutheran schools mark 850 years of commitment to education

Nothing says you're a good teacher like kissing a pig.

Making their teacher pucker up to a porker is just one way local students are celebrating National Lutheran Schools Week.

This year's event, which runs through Saturday, is themed "Lutheran Schools: A great place to grow."

Local Lutheran schools kicked off the celebration with an inter-school open house Sunday at Saxony Lutheran High School in Fruitland.

Schools from as far away as Farmington, Mo., participated in the open house, which featured Christian entertainer Steven Sanford.

Saxony principal Craig Ernstmeyer said the event drew between 1,600 and 1,700 people. Student artwork was exhibited, and school bands provided music.

"It was really just to celebrate the uniqueness and distinction we have, and the history," said Ernstmeyer. "Between the six schools here Sunday, we had over 850 years of education represented. That's a neat thing, to see that commitment to education."

Throughout this week, Saxony will continue the celebration with a pep rally on Thursday and a recreational all-star basketball game Saturday that pits the high school's employees against local Lutheran elementary schools' employees. Money raised from the game will go toward Saxony's tuition assistance program.

The school is also holding theme days, from crazy hair day to pajama day to spirit day, when students dress in school colors.

Other local Lutheran schools are having similar events. At St. Paul Lutheran School in Jackson, principal Delvin Myer said students are participating in a contest that allows them to put money into jars designated to their teachers. The teachers' jar that has the most money at the end of the contest will kiss a pig.

In recognition of Lutheran schools week, Trinity Lutheran School in Cape Girardeau will hold an education showcase from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday.

According to principal Terry Fark, all classrooms will be open and displays of student work will be featured.

The showcase will include science fair exhibits, poetry exploration, art projects, models of ancient cultures, history though the decades and more.

Student music groups will perform and visitors can see the computer lab, the school library and glimpse what the new gym/multipurpose building, currently under construction, will look like when completed.

Fark said this is a good opportunity for parents interested in having their children attend Trinity to tour the school.

"Our students have been working hard on their projects for this event. The showcase will give the public a glimpse into the kinds of awesome things our students are doing every day, and we think they'll be impressed," said Fark.

cmiller@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 128