St. John's year in the making

Another successful Friday night for the Saints football team last night. See photo & story here:Saints Beat OCA

Saints Shut Down Meadowbrook in Three Games

 The Saints closed their semifinal match with strong runs late in the final two games of a 25-15, 26-24, 26-24 win over Meadowbrook Academy on Tuesday night. According to the Ocala Star-Banner, Coach Lindsay Morris said “All season long the girls have been focused on districts and regionals,” said Coach Lindsay Morris. “They really worked for it. We had times tonight where we would have normally panicked, but they pushed through and gave just a tremendous effort." Since they won, the Saints earned their spot in next week's regional quarterfinals on Thursday night's final game against the number one team in their district, Gainesville Oak Hall at 7 pm at Meadowbrook Academy. For more from Ocala Star Banner, and photos:  Saints Defeat Meadowbrook      By: Alysha Burnett

Saints Go PINK

By Christina Shepard

Things looked a little different on campus last Wednesday.  School uniforms were ditched for PINK!  This was in an effort to support the national campaign for Breast Cancer Awareness.  Students were allowed to bring in $1 to support the campaign and wear pink for the day. The national awareness campaign was founded by AstraZeneca, manufacturer of cancer drugs, in 1985 and uses the month of October to spread the word about breast cancer prevention and early detection. Much of the funds raised during the month are donated to fund research and provide mammograms for women without insurance. 
Many national and local activities take place during October for this campaign, including The National Race for the Cure, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, Ride to Empower (biking), Global Illumination(companies arranged for famous monuments to be lighted in pink light),  Pink Days (days with parties at work that raise money for Breast Cancer), the National Football League promotes national awareness in advertisements and by wearing pink equipment, and pink comic strips are printed during this month.
Saints students collected $210 to support the PINK cause.  All proceeds will be donated to the local organization, Heart of Florida, to provide mammorgrams for local women without insurance.  We look forward to this annual event on campus, and hope that we have done our part to help raise local awareness. Don't forget each October, to go PINK!  To see some of our PINK students, go here: Saints Go PINK 2010 and Saints go pink 2

Even the Lady Saints Varsity Volleyball team practiced in PINK.

Some of our Saints who chose to "Go Pink" for the day!

Saints Football stays on top

Congratulations to the mighty Saints who shut out Oveido's Masters Academy Friday night with a final score of Saints 41, Master's 0.  Look for more on this story tomorrow!!!

Saints Volleyball DEFEATS Vanguard

Congratulations to the Lady Saints Volleyball team who defeated Vanguard in 4 games last night!!

Way to go Lady Saints!

As posted by Ocala.com.

"ST. JOHN DEF. VANGUARD, 25-10, 25-15, 20-26, 30-28: At Vanguard, Ashley LaBorde crushed 23 kills, with 16 digs and 2 blocks as the Saints picked up the victory.

Hanna Marcus added 13 digs, 11 kills and 4 aces, while Kelly VanFleet contributed 21 assists, 10 digs and an ace for St. John.

For Vanguard, MaryEllen Pole had 30 assists, 8 service points, 5 digs and 3 aces in the defeat.

McKenna Foster had 14 kills, 9 service points and 2 blocks, while Ellison Cunningham had 11 digs with 9 kills and Holly Pole added 11 digs and 3 kills."

Seniors Rule!



Seniors enter the field for the first day of Olympiad play.
A fierce game of kickball started the annual Homecoming event.

 Written by: Kathy Hossler

Photos by Tracy Skinner & Vanessa Baxley                                               

One of the ongoing traditions of Homecoming Week for St. John Lutheran, Olympiad, is a fun and exciting two day event competition between the ninth through 12th grades.  It was first created by the class of 2006 and is a favorite among the students. During Olympiad, high school students get to participate in a wide variety of activities. Coach Lausier said, “The purpose of Olympiad is to gain among the classes, you want each class to bond and come together and the lower classmen always try to beat the upper classmen.” Some of the activities included in Olympiad are kickball, powder-puff football, doughnut eating, elimination volleyball and knock-out. St. John Lutheran student, Jenny Koch, says that she likes the healthy and fun competiveness of Olympiad with each class. However, she would like Olympiad activities to last all week. The students also hosted a canned food drive to earn points for each class.  As the scores were added up, the seniors ruled and were announced as the overall winners of Olympiad 2010.

 

For more photos from Olympiad, click link:Saints Olympiad 2010
and here: Olympiad 2010

Homecoming Queen crowned at halftime of game

It is always fun to get an unexpected visit from an old friend.  That is just how it felt today as familiar faces popped up all over campus as alumni visited the school and arrived early for the football game. The homecoming game started with the traditional fan tunnel for the Saints and tonight, the elementary choir sang the National Anthem before kick off.  Rebecca Schaffer, St. John Lutheran Music Director, worked on this rendition for several weeks and the students were very excited to perform for the crowd.  The Saints played well in the first half, but nothing could compare to the excitement that was building, anticipating the Homecoming Court crowning at half time. 

The Homecoming Court nominees looked beautiful as their families escorted them to the field.  Each young lady had selected a special dress for the night and their father or mother proudly escorted them across the field as something special was announced about each one over the loud speakers.  Friends and fans clapped and cheered, making each girl feel very special.  A special congratulations to our beautiful Homecoming Court:  Freshman Princess Sophie Fischer, and attendants Naomi Cano and Sarah Poehlman;  Sophomore Princess Alysha Burnett, and attendants Caley Carbaugh and Holly Tackett;  Junior Princess Samantha Oliver and attendants Lissette Babalian and Tori Townley; and Senior Princesses Hanna Marcus and Chloe Wilcox, and attendants Lauren Pacheco, Katie Revis and Laina Wilcox;  and the St. John Lutheran School 2010 Homecoming Queen Rachael Mack.

Saints defeat Foundation for a Homecoming Game Victory




The Saints walk to victory from the weight training room to the
Brick City Park field to warm up and prepare for the nights Homecoming game.

  Read more about the Homecoming Game from Ocala.com at this link:  Saints-roll-behind-Alexander

Look for more photo galleries to be posted on the blue & gold next week!!

Flag Football ends the season

By Christina Shepard

        

          The St. John Lutheran flag football team of 5th-6th graders played a great game on Thursday at Brick City Park against Meadowbrook. It was an intense game played by both sides. Though St. John’s played well, Meadowbrook came out on top.

            The most exciting point of the game, for the Saints, was when Jim Shepard, number 7, got an 80 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. When asked what his favorite part of flag football was, he said "The fun time we have on the field!"

Picture link:  Saints flag football Oct. 14th

SAINTS gear up for GREAT Homecoming Game

Come celebrate our Saints Seniors tonight at their last Homecoming Game. 
Katie Revis, Ben Long, Trey Poehlman and Kayla Stokes.

Join us TONIGHT for the St. John Lutheran Homecoming Game at 7:30 pm.  Get there early to join Saints Fans for the spirit tunnel & hear our elementary choir sing the National Anthem.  If you didn't get a chance to read the great story in the Ocala Star Banner about our football team, click below to see the story:
Saints Competing at Higher Level

Also, from the desk of Athletic Director Drew Rehkop, read how our teams performed this week:

Yesterday, every fall sports team competed and represented St. John VERY well…

-The flag football team lost to Meadowbrook yesterday, but had a great overall season and is looking forward to the Kingdom of the Son tournament to earn redemption!

-The cheerleading squad, under new coach Leanne Ozcel, has had a great season as well. They performed some great dances and routines at the pep rally on Wednesday night and plan to perform during half time at tonight’s game!

-The cross country team ran against almost every public school in the county and placed well individually. Senior Seth Farley and 8^th grader Ashley Gallinaro plan to do well at districts as well as possibly break the school record for fastest time.

-The 5/6^th and 7/8^th grade volleyball teams whooped up on Oak Hall and swept them out of our gym in record time last night. 8^th grader Mikayla Cano earned 25 straight service points to close out the 7/8^th grade match! The varsity volleyball team celebrated senior night and went down fighting as they lost to Cornerstone of Gainesville in 5 set. The elementary and middle school teams still have the Kingdom of the Son tournament to finish their season on a high note. And as tradition goes, look for the varsity squad to win districts and advance to the regionals again!

-The golf team played practice rounds at Juliette Falls to get ready for Districts starting next week. Stay tuned next week as the Saints look to continue their winning ways in the state playoffs!

-The boys swim team last night, despite having several swimmers out sick, only lost by 5 points to Belleview. The girls swam as individuals and won many of the races. The swim team looks to do well at districts and have several swimmers advance to regionals for the 4^th consecutive year!

Please stay tuned these last few weeks of the fall sports season as our St. John sports teams look to finish their season strong and compete well in season ending tournaments and state competition!

See you tonight and GO SAINTS!

Homecoming Week Photos - Part I

All of the fun themed days, High School Olympiad, Pep Rally, Bonfire, Coronation of the King & Queen and football game allow for some AWESOME photo opportunities of our Saints students.  Here is just one small photo album for you to enjoy!  Please be patient as we upload and edit!! You'll love the finished product.  Check back often for more great SAINTS memories.

SUPER HERO DAY photo album 1

Who is that Masked Saint?

A cape and mask were nearly a prerequisite to enter St. John on Tuesday, the first day of Homecoming Week.  As part of the annual tradition of activities, dress up days kicked off with Superhero Day.  From preschool to high school, traditional superheroes were well dressed and sporting their “super student” powers.  A few little known superheroes also made appearances on campus including “Super PB &J,” the BK King, the Fly, Bible Man, and a mom – the super hero with the greatest powers of all!

The most popular superhero of the day was Bat Man & Bat Girl.  Even Ms. Gieseke donned the gold bat emblem, and was the fearless leader of our “bat pack.”  Around lunch time, they convened in the “bat cave,” well, it's really the middle school hallway, for a group photo.  Other teachers getting in the spirit included Ms. Dzelzkalns as “Super Teacher,” Mrs. Fontaine as “Super Mom,” and Mr. Rehkop as a baseball fave, the “Super Cardinal.”

Some superheroes flew into school, some walked, and some still needed a lift from mom or dad.  Even though our students aren’t dressed in their capes and mask everyday, they exhibit their “Super Saint” spirit by studying, playing on the field or court, being super creative at art, dance or student leadership.  Remember, each of us can be a Superhero, at least for the day!

 

Saints Sports ended the week victorious

Congratulations to the Lady Saints Volleyball for their win against Meadowbrook on Thursday night. Read more from Ocala.com at this linkSaints-down-Mustangs-in-volleyball

Friday night football. Saints shut out Hernando Christian Academy with a final score of 60-0.  Congratulations Saints!

Chris Decker, St. John graduate, receives mention due to success at Concordia College where he plays linebacker. Read more here Saints grad plays football for Concordia

Be a part of the SAINTS Tradition - Homecoming 2010

Each year we look forward to the fun activities that have become part of the annual Homecoming Week at St. John Lutheran School.  This is a great time for the entire school to get involved in some of the fun traditions, including theme days, the high school Olympiad, the pep rally, football game and crowning of the 2010 Homecoming Queen.  Make sure you are prepared for the week ahead.  Take a look at the schedule below; we will be posting daily updates and photo albums of all of our students.  Don't miss out on the fun!

HOMECOMING WEEK 2010 

Monday, October 11th - No School

Tuesday, October 12th – Super Hero Day& olympiad for high school

Wednesday, October 13th – Pajama Day & Olympiad for High School

Wednesday, October 13th – 7-9 pm  Pep Rally for ALL students, families & alumni.  The pep rally will celebrate athletics, skits will be performed by faculty,  athletic teams, and clubs, and the 2010 Princes & King will be crowned.  Elementary & Middle School students & families should join in on this fun night!

Thursday, October 14th – Cowboy & Indian Day  (no guns or arrows)

Friday, October 15th – Spirit Day (blue-gold-white),

Friday, October 15th — 7:30 pm Football Game against Foundation, with the Queen Coronation during half-time. *Elementary Students will be opening the game with the National Anthem*

Woods recognized as Commended Student by National Merit Board

We would like to congratulate Riley Woods, senior at St. John Lutheran School, on being a Commended Student in the 2011 National Merit Scholarship Program.  About 34,000 commended students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise.  Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2011 competition by taking the 2009 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT).

"Recognition of high achieving students is essential to the advancing educational excellence in our nation," commended a spokesperson for NMSC.  "As demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program, the young men and women named Commended Students represent some of the most academically talented students in our country.  We sincerely hope this recognition will enhance their educational opportunities and encourage them in their pursuit of academic success."

Congratulations to Riley and his family - we are very proud of you!

All Fired Up!

The K3 through second grade students were "all fired up" today when the Ocala Fire Department fire truck showed up at school as part of Fire Safety Week.  The teachers have been educating their classes on fire safety, including when to "stop, drop and roll."  Students went home last week with coloring books illustrating fire safety rules, but nothing could top today's experience of walking through the fire truck, and jumping down the side steps, just like a real firefighter.  Firefighter Dan even showed the students what a firefighter would look like in all of his equipment when entering a burning building.  He helped the students understand they shouldn't be afraid if they see a firefighter with a mask and helmet; they are trained to help people out of a fire.  A special thanks to Ocala Fire Department for taking time to visit our school today.  For more photos from today's event, click here:  Fire Safety Week 2010

Senior Moment: Hanna Marcus

                                                         story by Kathy Hossler
Hanna Marcus, a senior student, is going on her seventh year at St. John Lutheran. She enjoys being a senior and is involved in many school activities. For example, she is a member of student council, National Honor Society, a class representative, and the president of Anchor Club. She is also on the varsity volleyball team where she is captain for the second year in a row. Her favorite class at St. John Lutheran is economics with Mrs. Janousky, who is also her favorite teacher. In addition, Hanna takes classes on Monday and Wednesday at College of Central Florida through the dual-enrollment program. After graduation, she hopes to attend the University of Florida and major in zoology so she can become a zoologist. Hanna has been very motivated by her teachers and her friend Laina who has been very encouraging to her. Hanna’s most cherished school memory occurred during her junior year when she jokingly stole her friend’s box of Girl Scout cookies. She explained how she ran away with them and her friend chased her all around the courtyard during lunch but then tripped over a rope in front of the whole high-school. Many memories have been created at St. John Lutheran and Hanna says that the school has impacted her life by enabling her to create close friendships with everyone in her class.

Celebrating our SAINTS Seniors...Senior Moment

To celebrate and recognize the next graduating class at St. John, our journalism staff will be writing about each student who chooses to participate.  Some have been students here since K3, and others have only been with us this year, but they have each become a part of the St. John tradition.  You will notice a special feature every week about one of our Saints Seniors as part of the graduating Class of 2011.  Today we will post the first SENIOR MOMENT, but watch for them throughout the rest of this semester!!