FVL Schools Essay Contest

March was FVL Schools Month, and in honor of our celebration the Student Essay Contest was introduced.  Each participating school has a winner in each grade-level category (3-4, 5-6, 7-8).  Each school's category winners  then competed for the overall grand prize of a laptop computer.

We are excited by the quality of the submitted essays and are pleased to be able to share the Grand Prize winning compositions with you.  Three categories were offered, and three Grand Prize Winners have been chosen.

Thank you to all who participated!!

Grades 3-4

What I Like Most About My School

Written by Ryan Guenterberg
Immanuel, Greenville
Grade 4

I have been going to Immanuel Lutheran School for six years.  What is nice is every subject involves the Word of God.  For example, in science class, we can learn about the wonderful way God made our bodies.  In math, you can figure out how many years there are between Jesus' birth and now.  Next, in social studies you can learn about past Christians, and false gods of other cultures.  Lastly, in art, God gives us materials, abilities, and skills to glorify Him.  But without Bible study class, I might miss hearing the story of God's plan.

At Immanuel the teachers are kind, fun-loving, and helpful.  They explain things well.  They want their students to become God-fearing adults.  They also teach us because they love us.  Finally, they show us their fun side by playing with us outside.

At Immanuel, every child is together with other children who believe in Jesus.  Together we learn to care about each other as Jesus cares for us.  At Immanuel we pray for each other.  At Immanuel we don't have to be afraid to live our faith!

Grades 5-6

A Teacher Who Changed My Life

Written by Blue Blauert
Morrison Zion, Greenleaf

Grade 6

The teacher at Morrison Zion Lutheran School that changed my life the most is my music teacher Mrs. Kuchenbecker.  She encourages me to be a better person.  She helps me to look inside myself and see someone who cares, someone who can make a difference in the lives of others.

She does this through the songs she teaches about Jesus Christ our Savior and the patience she shows each and every one of us.  Mrs. Kuchenbecker isn't selfish.  She shares her talents with all of us at Morrison Zion Lutheran School.  She doesn't just help people find the path to heaven through the songs of praise we sing to God, but she inspires each of us to stand tall and use the gifts God has given us to make the world a better place.

When Mrs. Kuchenbecker is at the head of our classroom, I believe that God is smiling.  She uses her gifts to show us her love of God and to help us show our love.  She is a piano, music, and band teacher, but she is so much more.  She is a messenger of God, and she is my teacher.

Grades 7-8

How Has My School Made a Difference in my Life?

Written by Elena Stingle
St. Peter Lutheran School, Appleton/Freedom
Grade 8

St. Peter is the best school in Wisconsin!  My education here will take me to the next step of my future.  The teachers help me whenever I need help or am struggling.  Everyday we get to hear about our Savior and consistently grow in our faith.

I first came to St. Peter School in fourth grade, and was very surprised at how kids acted.  I really did not know about Jesus because I never learned about him in Russia.  I never got the chance to hear the word everyday like I do at St. Peter.

My parents sent me to St. Peter.  First I learned the books of the Bible, then the creeds.  It was hard.  A year later, it finally started to get easier for me.  My English got better, and my memory work got easier, too!  In fifth grade, our class started catechism lessons.  In seventh grade, we talked about Holy Communion, the Law and the Gospel.

As an eighth grader, I look back and am in awe of my progress!  St. Peter really took care of me, not just educationally, but spiritually as well.  When I came here in fourth grade, I didn't even know Jesus.  Now, in less then two months, I will be confirmed.

St. Peter School made a huge difference in my life because now I know that Jesus died on the cross and gave us eternal life.  I can't wait till then.  Thank you, St. Peter Lutheran School, for giving me the sure hope of heaven!