We are in our final countdown to the end of the 2022-2023 school year! 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 2023, 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 share interviews 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: Emma, ILS Class of 2023
1. How long have you attended ILS?
“I’ve been here since Jr. Kindergarten with Mrs. Honig. The quality of the years has been excellent, which is what makes it so hard to leave. It’s hard to imagine what my daily life will be like without all of the teachers and my friends. I know all the teachers here help me grow and love me, so I’m hoping to find the same thing at Oakcrest next year. ”
2. What house are you in and was your favorite House competition?
“I’m in House Augustine. My favorite house competition would have to be either the Peeps Dioramas or Field Day. They are both really competitive which makes them more fun - and for both of those events, everyone in the house gets involved. I’m House Captain with my sister Avery. It’s been really great and such a gift because we can communicate so well and help our house. It’s my first time ever being a leader, and it’s been a really big job, more than I realized before. Avery and Mr. Egger have helped me a lot. I think a big part of the job is being a good role model, involving everyone, staying organized, and feeding people in our house for parties and meetings. ”
3. What is your favorite ILS memory? (Or, which ILS tradition will you remember the most?)
“This is so hard! My favorite tradition is probably Lutheran Schools Week. I’ll really miss that when I’m in high school – it’s just so fun. I will also definitely and dearly miss the house inductions, voting for captains, and announcing the winner of the year.”
4. What will you miss the most about ILS?
“I think the community – everyone here is really passionate, especially the teachers and staff- which is so special. Everyone always complains about their teachers, but that’s not the case here. I really love all my teachers, and know them inside and outside of the classroom. Ms. Kramer, Mr. Hageman, and Miss Davis have had a big impact on me and helped me survive middle school. It’s all the little habits and interactions every day that make the school so special. The house system too is really important for the community. Overall, it’s the community and the traditions that make Immanuel so special. ”
5. How has a teacher impacted your life personally in a way you will never forget?
“I think that Miss C. Davis – with her outrageous literature projects – made me create things I never thought I could. The warmth and kindness and love throughout our homeroom in 7th grade was so great. I would just wake up every day excited to go to school. ”
6. Do you have a favorite Hymn of the Year or Verse for Memorizing?
““No Tramp of Soldier’s Marching Feet” is so good. Also, I love Romans 12:2, which is our scripture verse of the year. ”