WOH, Tuesday, January 13, 2025 – Rising to the Challenge
by Kristen Okabayashi, principal
Rising to the Challenge – LEST here we come!
Students in grades 5–8 are preparing now to compete in the annual Lutheran Elementary Schools Tournament (L.E.S.T.) next month!
The first L.E.S.T. was held in 1962 at Concordia University–Portland with just four schools competing in a basketball tournament. Over the years, the event has grown significantly and now includes more than 20 individual and team academic, athletic, and artistic competitions. Concordia University–Portland hosted its final L.E.S.T. in February 2020 before closing its doors; however, a committed group of Lutheran schools, including Hope, has proudly carried on this long-standing tradition. This year, L.E.S.T. will mainly be held at Tacoma Community College.
The primary goal of L.E.S.T. is to provide an organized opportunity for skill development, fair play, and Christian fellowship among Lutheran elementary school students. With a wide variety of team and solo events offered, there truly is something for everyone.
While only students in grades 5–8 may compete, all students and families are warmly invited to come cheer on our Eagles! The initial L.E.S.T. schedule will be sent home today in Tuesday envelopes. A more detailed schedule will follow once event brackets are finalized.
If you have any questions about L.E.S.T., please feel free to reach out to me or to Sally Heit.
Go Eagles!
