On April 26th, 2024, the vibrant city of Chicago, Illinois, witnessed a remarkable event that left a lasting impact on the hearts and minds of its youth. St. Paul Austin and St. Paul Dorchester proudly hosted a Youth Explosion, featuring the esteemed guest speaker, Amos Oliver Gry IV, a dedicated family man and a beacon of hope for the youth in his community.

Amos Gray's passion for nurturing the next generation is palpable in his every action. With thirteen years spent in the city of Hot Springs, Amos and his wife, Carol, have tirelessly worked to uplift the youth culture, leaving no stone unturned in their quest to empower young minds. Their dedication culminated in the establishment of the High Impact Movement (H.I.M.), a testament to their commitment to restoring and nurturing the city's youth culture.

The event kicked off with an engaging "Who Am I" icebreaker, setting a lively tone for the day ahead. Participants were then treated to an enriching session on Leadership 101, where Amos shared insights gleaned from his years of experience in mentoring and guiding young leaders. Through interactive small group discussions, attendees had the opportunity to delve deeper into the principles of effective leadership.

Following a nourishing lunch, the agenda shifted towards fostering meaningful connections and decision-making skills. The "Building with the Homies" session provided a platform for participants to forge bonds and collaborate on projects aimed at uplifting their communities. The "Choose Wisely" session encouraged thoughtful decision-making, empowering attendees to make choices that align with their values and aspirations.

In a world where health and wellness are paramount, the event also emphasized the importance of making healthy decisions. Through informative sessions and practical tips, participants gained valuable insights into maintaining physical and mental well-being.

As the day drew to a close, participants engaged in affirmations and games designed to foster networking and friendship-building. Laughter filled the room as newfound connections were forged, underscoring the power of community and camaraderie.

The Youth Explosion event at St. Paul Austin and St. Paul Dorchester was a resounding success, thanks to the unwavering dedication of Amos Gray and his commitment to empowering the next generation. As attendees departed with renewed inspiration and a sense of purpose, they carried with them the belief that together, they can create a brighter future for themselves and their communities.

In the words of Amos Gray, "Building or rebuilding a community takes multiple people and organizations. So, assisting others with their vision and mission only brings more health and success to a community." It is through collective efforts and shared aspirations that we can truly make a difference in the world around us.

​By Jessica LaShawn

​At St. Paul Lutheran School, we believe in nurturing not only young minds but also compassionate hearts. Our middle school students recently had the opportunity to put these values into action as they volunteered with a local organization to help pack and distribute care packages for amazing families within the Austin community.

Our 5th to 8th graders teamed up with Hope Church for a heartwarming Thanksgiving food distribution event. With eager smiles and sleeves rolled up, they embarked on a journey of service that would leave a lasting impact on both them and the community they serve.

Learning Through Service:

As they helped assemble and distribute Thanksgiving care packages, our students didn't just offer their time; they also gained valuable life lessons. Here are some key takeaways:

1. Empathy and Compassion: Our young volunteers were able to see firsthand the challenges faced by families in their own community. This experience fostered empathy and a deeper understanding of the importance of compassion.

2. Teamwork and Cooperation: The event required seamless coordination among volunteers to ensure that each family received the essentials they needed for a joyful Thanksgiving celebration. Our students worked together efficiently, learning the value of teamwork.

3. Gratitude: Serving those in need reinforced the students' gratitude for the blessings in their lives. They realized the significance of giving back and expressing gratitude for the support they receive.

4. Community Connection: By actively participating in community service, our middle schoolers forged meaningful connections with their neighbors. These interactions transcend the classroom and create a sense of belonging within the Austin community.

5. Servant Leadership: Through their actions, our students exemplified servant leadership, showing that leadership is not about authority but about serving others selflessly.

Brightening Thanksgiving for Austin Families:

The care packages our students helped distribute included essential items like groceries, hygiene products, and other necessities. These packages aimed to bring warmth and comfort to local families during the Thanksgiving season.

Our St. Paul middle schoolers' involvement with Hope Church's Thanksgiving food distribution was not just a one-time event. It ignited a spark of kindness and community engagement that will continue to shine brightly in their hearts.

We are immensely proud of our students for their dedication to making a positive impact on the Austin community. Their enthusiasm, willingness to serve, and open hearts exemplify the spirit of Thanksgiving throughout the year.

At St. Paul Lutheran School, we believe that education extends beyond the classroom. It's about empowering our students to be compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens. We look forward to more opportunities for our students to grow as individuals and contribute to building a stronger, more caring community.

As the Thanksgiving season approaches, let us all take inspiration from these young hearts and find ways to share our blessings with those around us. Together, we can make every day a day of Thanksgiving.

​By Jessica LaShawn

​At St. Paul Lutheran School, we are committed to nurturing not only the academic growth of our students but also their personal development as responsible and engaged members of our community. Recently, our students had a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between education and community involvement through a "Lunch and Learn" session with local police officers.

Exploring Opportunities and Building Connections:

The event aimed to introduce our students to the exciting world of the Police Explorers Club while emphasizing the importance of community engagement, networking, and socializing with a purpose. As advocates for holistic education, we believe in serving the whole child and preparing them for a future where they are informed, empowered, and actively involved in shaping their community.

The Power of the Police Explorers Club:

The Police Explorers Club is an enrichment program that provides young individuals with a unique glimpse into the world of law enforcement. Through this program, students can learn about policing, leadership, teamwork, and community service. It offers valuable insights into the role of our local police force and opens doors to opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Key Takeaways from Our Lunch and Learn:

During the Lunch and Learn session, our students gained valuable insights and experiences:

1. Community Involvement: They discovered the power of being actively involved in their community. The Police Explorers Club is just one example of the enrichment programs available to them.

2. Networking: Our students learned the importance of building connections and relationships within their community. Networking can open doors to future educational and career opportunities.

3. Socializing with Intention: While socializing is a natural part of growing up, our students were encouraged to socialize with intention. They learned how meaningful connections can lead to personal and collective growth.

4. Leadership and Responsibility: Through discussions with local police officers, our students explored themes of leadership, responsibility, and the role of law enforcement in maintaining a safe and just community.

Prepared for a Bright Future:

As educators, we believe that our role extends beyond academics. We strive to empower our students to become informed, compassionate, and active citizens. The Lunch and Learn session with local police officers was just one of the many ways we prepare our students for a bright future.

By fostering a sense of community engagement and introducing them to programs like the Police Explorers Club, we equip our students with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world. We encourage them to explore, learn, and grow, both inside and outside the classroom.

At St. Paul Lutheran School, we are proud of our commitment to serving the whole child. We will continue to provide opportunities for our students to expand their horizons, build meaningful connections, and make a positive impact on the world around them.

As our students take the first steps toward becoming tomorrow's leaders, we look forward to witnessing the positive change they will bring to our community and beyond.

​By Jessica LaShawn

​At St. Paul Lutheran School, education isn't confined to the classroom. We believe that learning happens everywhere, from the pages of a textbook to the soil beneath our feet. That's why we recently hosted an exciting event that had students buzzing with enthusiasm – Pumpkinology Day! This unique day of learning wasn't just about pumpkins; it was about understanding the entire cycle of life, from seed to harvest, and empowering our students with the knowledge of how to make the world a greener place.

Pumpkins: More Than Just Jack-O'-Lanterns

The star of the day was undoubtedly the pumpkin, that iconic symbol of autumn. But Pumpkins are much more than just Halloween decorations. We wanted our students to appreciate the diverse uses for fruits and vegetables and how these resources can be harnessed to promote sustainable living.

From Seed to Harvest

Our journey began with understanding the fundamentals – seeds. Students learned about the miracle of life contained in these tiny packages. They explored various seeds, from those found in pumpkins to those of other fruits and vegetables. This hands-on experience was both educational and fun, sparking curiosity about the growth process.

The Power of Going Green

We're passionate about instilling the values of environmental responsibility in our students. On Pumpkinology Day, students discovered the importance of farming, recycling, and food growth. They learned how these practices are interconnected and contribute to a healthier planet. It was a valuable lesson in sustainability.

Hands-On Learning

Our young gardeners got their hands dirty as they planted pumpkin seeds. They eagerly anticipated the day when their efforts would bear fruit, quite literally. It was heartwarming to see them connect with the earth and develop a sense of responsibility toward nurturing life.

Research and Exploration

Understanding the growth process was key, so students delved into research. They learned about the various stages of a plant's life cycle, from germination to pollination to harvesting. This knowledge is a powerful tool that can be used not only in the garden but in everyday life.

Fostering Lifelong Learning

Education doesn't stop when the school day ends. At St. Paul, we're committed to fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime. Pumpkinology Day was just one of many initiatives aimed at encouraging our students to be aware of the world around them and the power of going green.

Harvesting Knowledge for the Future

As Pumpkinology Day came to an end, our students left with pumpkins in their arms and knowledge in their hearts. They now understand the importance of sustainable practices, the beauty of the natural world, and the role they can play in making a difference.

At St. Paul, we're proud to provide an education that encompasses not just academics but life skills and values that will serve our students well in the future. Thank you for being a part of our mission to raise aware and responsible global citizens.

Keep an eye out for our next adventure in learning – who knows what seeds of knowledge we'll plant next!

​By Jessica LaShawn

As a friendly reminder, due to weather conditions, our Walk-a-thon has been rescheduled for Monday, May 15, 2023 at 10:00 a.m.