Toddlers love to be noticed. They love affirmation. They love attention. They test their actions against the reactions of smiles, correction and praise to determine what is acceptable and what is not.
As we get older, recognition is still needed. Sometimes we err in not recognizing the good work and accomplishments of students and staff in the name of being humble and maintaining a pious life. It’s a good reminder that all praise goes to our God who gives us every good and perfect gift, including all that we need to live a faithful life.
We believe it’s quite okay for us to close our school years with recognitions and awards. Valedictorians and salutatorians as well as sports awards and music awards are given. Graduations occur as well. For high school, grade school and even kindergarten!
Before we put a close to the 21/22 school year, here are some recognitions that were part of TLSP’s goal of recognizing the people gifts of northeast Indiana.
TLSP Honors’ Breakfast - We annually recognize the high achievers of our schools by holding an Honors Breakfast. It’s a high point of the year as the Lutheran school community highlights these students who model the best of what our schools represent. This year, Concordia Theological Seminary, Concordia University-Chicago and Lutheran SGO provided sponsorships for the event.
Litman’s Learners - Because of a new partnership with the Center for Urban Education Ministries (https://www.cuemnational.org), TLSP honored 4 area students as “Litman’s Learners.” Litman’s Learners are students who excel in an academic accomplishment or achieve a noteworthy act of behavior. These students were selected from urban Lutheran schools across our nation, chosen by their school principal. The goal of “Litman’s Learners” is to celebrate student success and encourage a mindset of scholars.
Educator of the Year - At our TLSP VIP Event on August 28, 2021 , we recognized Angie Owen of Concordia Lutheran School for her servant heart and model of what it means to be a teacher in our Lutheran Schools (https://www.thelutheranschools.org/blog/celebrating-ms-angie-owen). In May 2022, we surprised LSUS teacher Natalie Reynolds with this year’s recognition (https://www.thelutheranschools.org/blog/tlspey-winner-natalie-reynolds). Natalie shares her faithful service through LSUS fine arts ministry as well as stepping in wherever help is needed.
TLSP Anniversaries - In April, the Board of Directors of TLSP thanked Jon Dize for his 10 years of work with TLSP and its schools, including the operating of the Lutheran SGO. In June, the Board recognized Alicia Levitt for her 25 years of service in Lutheran School ministry, a ministry that has included teaching and administration.
Administrative Assistants - In early June, administrative assistants for our schools were honored with a luncheon and gifts. Mike Nutter of the Tin Caps and Jill Boggs of Visit Fort Wayne addressed the honorees with encouragement and recognition of the vital work that these important staff persons provide for our schools.
JS Bach included Soli Deo Gloria on all of his musical works. We join with the same prayer, thanking God for all of His gifts to us, including those we have recognized throughout the year.
