Senior Moment: Ryan Kirk

written by: Kathy Hossler

Ryan Kirk has been a student of St. John Lutheran since K-3 and loves the fact that he is now a senior. The best thing about being a senior to him is the anticipation of graduation, the bad cases of senioritis, and hardly any homework. This year, his favorite class is Mrs. Kana’s 3^rd period English class and his favorite teacher is Mrs. Baxley because, “she is a joy to be around and is always there to help you."

Ryan has participated in basketball, baseball, student council, and National Honors Society.  The thing he likes best about St. John is that the school is like a small-knit family. He says that St. John has made him a better person because of the teachers/staff members who genuinely care about him, as well as the rest of the students.

 Currently, he is dual-enrolling at College of Central Florida and then he plans on taking another semester there next year. After that, he expects to transfer to Florida State University and major in engineering. Once he graduates college, he hopes to find a good job that makes him happy, live like a king, and relax.

PROM 2011 pictures

St. John PROM 2011

EXTREME MAKEOVER: Classroom Edition

Last month the PTL held an essay contest for the elementary classes to submit wishes for their classroom decor.  We're not talking about big time renovations here, but a little sprucing up to classrooms with some fun items to decorate the room.  All of the classes submitted very unique requests that they had decided upon as a group.  From shelving to a space theme, our students were creative with their requests!  Once the essays were read by the PTL committee for the "makeover," they decided who would be the lucky class to receive a makeover worthy of HGTV's House of Style!  And the lucky classroom is...... Ms. Abbatiello's Fifth Grade classroom.  The students were thrilled to find giant comfy pillows and bean bags in the center of two freshly painted bookshelves, as well as complimentary pillows in the the computer area.  Fresh flower decals, peace signs, butterflies and sports themed decor adorned their lockers, walls and windows.  St. John penants added a special touch to one corner adding to a creative wall display.  Each student also had the chance to write their birthday on the newly created "brithday board." 

A huge thanks to our PTL for this fun project that added some pizazz to some of the fifth grade student workspaces.  Middle School, your classrooms are next.  Who will be the next classroom makeover winner?

Too see more photos of the 2011 extreme makeover go to Extreme Makeover Photo Album

Sir Saint 2011 named



Jared Schappert being crowned Sir Saint 2011 by Ms. Gieseke

By Kaley Sandlin

As spectators walked into the gymnasium on Thursday night, they viewed a blue velvet curtain sparkling in the gym light ready to be pulled back. The chairs and bleachers were filled; people were hustling about buying their refreshments and entering the raffles that later that night might bring them winnings. The lights dimmed and the show began. All the competitors and their coaches looked very nice in their formal wear. All the contenders did a fantastic job during the formal wear, talent and interview part of the competition. Jared Schappert started the evening off grand with a fabulous performance, and ultimately rapped his way to the top earning him a victory and the title of Sir Saint 2011. The show ended with Thomas Ergle singing his way to the title of “people’s choice award.”  When presented with this award Thomas graciously gave his crown to another fan favorite, Daniel Jornalien, who wowed the crowd with his master yo-yo skills.  The event overall was very successful and raised over $700 for this years prom. We cannot wait to see what Sir Saint 2012 will bring. 

Thomas Ergle finished up the night with a few songs.



Senior Interview: Melody Sietsma

Written by: Christina Shepard

Melody Sietsma has been at St. John since kindergarten. She has been a proud member of the St. John cheerleading team since 5^th grade. In her freshman year she was involved with 4-H and in her junior year she was involved in both Prayer Force and the United Way Student Club. She is a member of National Honors Society at St. John and has been involved in many other clubs outside of school. Melody is also the Senior Class Treasurer.

Melody’s favorite class is Advanced Placement Statistics because it is easy and great to apply to everyday life. Dr. Humphries is her favorite teacher because she learns a lot from him and he makes the class fun. After high school, Melody plans on going to the College of Central Florida because it is the ideal school for her, located close to home and offering programs in her area of interest.  She intends on majoring in nursing and minoring in Cardiovascular Technology. Following college, she hopes to get a job as a Cardiovascular Technologist for pediatrics and then someday have a family.

Instead of a memory, Melody said that she would like to say what she has learned from St. John- “When I leave St. John, I will take with me all of the fond memories, my great friends, and the inspiration to get out there and serve the Lord in everything I do.”

Brittany Billmeier Wins at State Science Fair!

The Florida State Science and Engineering Fair is a three-day display of science project exhibits prepared by aspiring scientists and engineers in grades six through twelve.  Over 900 first place finalists from across the state of Florida displayed their projects illustrating their research.  During this event, students have the opportunity to share their ideas with one another, increase personal development in scientific and technological areas, gain self-confidence in problem-solving skills, and participate in academic competition.  One of St. John's sixth graders, Brittany Billmeier, was selected to compete at this state level with her project "The Incredible Isopod."  In the category of Zoology, Brittany won an amazing 3rd place! Congratulations, we are very proud of all of your academic accomplishments and representing St. John Lutheran School at the State Science Fair!

      -Mrs. Jennifer Fontaine and Mrs. Sally Mennicke 

Blood Drive

Last Thursday, St. John hosted a blood driveon campus for LifeSouth Community Blood Center. This was the first blood drive the school has hosted in many years.  Students, staff and parents all participated by making blood donations throughout the day.  Coach Tony Fisher was the first donation of the day at 7:30 am, and soon after that, our students (over 16 years) and parents started filling the LifeSouth bus to make donations.Trevor Shawley, Class of 2010, even stopped by to donate when he saw the bus in front of St. John.  By the end of the day, over 31 donors had made blood donations (11 more than the goal).  Several students gave blood for the first time, and realized that it wasn't painful at all.  "     "

The students really enjoyed lunch off the grill after their donation, as well as snacks, drinks and a free tshirt!  We are proud of our Saints for giving back to our community in this way!