We are counting down to the end of the 2020-2021 school year, and it is a particularly bittersweet time for our 8th grade students as they prepare to graduate. To help celebrate and recognize our ILS Class of 2021, we have again launched our “Meet Us Monday” blog series to introduce you to the members of this year’s graduating class.
Each week, we will be sharing interviews that we have done with each of our 8th grade students, in which they share more about their favorite ILS memories and traditions, words of wisdom they’ve received over the years, and other reflections from their years here with us at ILS. We hope that you will enjoy these reflections, and join with us in congratulating and celebrating these students!
Meet Us Monday: Evangeline, ILS Class of 2021
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“Since the beginning! This is my 10th year. It’s been amazing and I can’t imagine going to any other school – I really can’t. But now I guess I have to, for high school. I plan to come back eventually, as a teacher, and teach English or history. ”
2. To what house do you belong, and how have you developed as a person by being involved in it?
“I have been in Irenaeus since 4th grade – we used to include 4th grade in the house system. Honestly, aside from just being a lot of fun and competitive, it’s been a way for me to make friends across all grade levels. Even if people aren’t in my house, you get to know them through competitions. Being house captain has definitely made me learn that it’s not all about you – it’s about the house members. As a leader it’s a lot more about them and their ideas than mine and often they come up with way better ideas than I have had – like in the Peeps Diorama. ”
3. What was your favorite House competition?
“I have a lot! Definitely the scavenger hunt that the house captains planned a few years ago – we went off campus and got to search through Del Ray for our “missing” captains. Last year we did a virtual Adventure Camp during COVID which was so fun – my sister and I were working on it all the time while it was running. Last, the Oration Showcase is awesome and I particularly enjoy it. Usually the 8th grade pieces are the most wonderful and really stand out as they’re the longest and hardest – The Highway Man and The Raven are really impressive. I’m not sure what I’m going to do yet this year. ”
4. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“One of my favorite ILS memories: Mrs. Barnett’s spelling stories in 4th grade. We’d have a spelling test on Fridays, and then she’d tell us a ridiculous story afterwards for a few minutes that was about my classmates and I. When Ms. Kramer would substitute for us, she’d always tell us ridiculous stories about her wilderness disasters as a kid.
My favorite tradition would probably be Lutheran Schools Week. It’s a week-long celebration of Lutheran Schools and we do house competitions all week long. We have so many fun things throughout the week, including the Talent Show. We engage in a Penny War, we do the Peeps Dioramas. We have Bees, like a Bible Bee, and sports competitions too. ”
5. What subject have you studied that has most inspired you, and how? What subject have you studied that most challenged you to grow or change?
“This has surprised me a bit, but probably art, especially this year. One of my favorite things to do for fun is imitate other people’s forms of art. I feel less creative than artists that make things up, but I really enjoy seeing how other artists work. In art class, we imitate pieces and learn about them also. We studied Starry Nights by Van Gogh – I had NO idea that it was partially about Joseph’s dreams about his siblings, but it was amazing to learn.
Subjects that challenge me? Oh, it’s definitely logic or theology. But they’re fun. In theology, Pastor Esget is a tough grader who expects us to know the definitions perfectly. But it’s a lot of fun at the same time – looking at the parables in John has been really interesting because it makes us understand the deeper meanings way more than we otherwise would have. Logic is challenging because even though it’s straightforward, you have to learn the definitions and them apply them correctly. Basically, you have to read something, understand what exactly it’s arguing for, and then correctly decide what the error in the argument may be. Often I know I come to logical conclusions but I don’t know how or why I got there – and that’s why logic is challenging – because you have to understand the processes. ”
6. Where have you applied to High School?
“I’m going to Oakcrest! I am definitely really excited, but it’s a new environment at the same time. The teachers here recommended it highly, so I’m looking forward to it. ”
7. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“I have three things in mind:
1. The community for sure – our teachers and friends.
2. The curriculum – hopefully Oakcrest won’t be too different! I want to keep taking Latin. From a Lutheran and classical perspective, you just can’t beat Immanuel.
3. Lutheran Schools Week! ”
8. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“Well, they ALL really have. Whenever I have questions, they are answered and answered really well – in such a way that I truly understand and don’t have to ask them again. But, especially Miss Davis the 2nd (D. Davis). She’s an amazing house sponsor who is very level-headed and kind and awesome to work with on behalf of House Irenaeus. ”