Hope ‘Soars’ at LEST

February 12th through the 15 was a big weekend for Hope students (grades 5-8), parents and Concordia University. Students from as many as 19 Lutheran elementary schools from across the West convened at Concordia University in Portland, OR for LEST.

What is LEST you ask? The first Lutheran Elementary School tournament was held in 1962 and is a ministry of Concordia University Portland in partnership with elementary schools of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod. A few of our Hope teachers and staff remember participating themselves when visiting students stayed in dormitories or slept on the floors of private homes. Based on the “value of Christian education that emphasizes the love and praise of God, thankful use of personal talents and service to others, the goal of LEST is to provide an organized structure to promote fun, skill development, fair play and fellowship among the youth through academic, athletic and recreational activities.” (LEST Program)

Fun was the operative word this year as Hope student’s participated in the following activities: Drama, Glee Club, Boys and Girls basketball, Chess, Knowledge Bowl, Science, Math, Vocal and piano soloists, Spelling, and Writing. Parents and students shuttled to and fro from basketball games to chess matches, spelling bees, and piano and vocal performances to cheer for their peers and support teammates. It is always a nice feeling to win, however what is emphasized by LEST organizers, parents and coaches is that students do their best and have fun doing it no matter what the outcome. All students are valued and encouraged to grow emotionally, intellectually, physically and spiritually through their participation in these activities.

At closing ceremonies all schools come together to celebrate the weekend and rejoice in their accomplishments. Below are the results for Hope Lutheran School students. Congratulations to ALL our participating students! We are proud of you! See below for a few videos and pictures from the weekend or check out our Facebook page for more photos.

2014 LEST Awards

Champion of Character – Matthew S.

Boys A Basketball – Hope Seattle, Consolation prize

5th/6th Piano Blue Ribbon Performance – Josie C., Jack C., Jacoby L., & Reece M.

7th/8th Vocal Blue Ribbon Performance – Zahara B. and Jordan M.

Vocal Ensembles Blue Ribbon Performance – Hope Seattle Glee Club

6th grade Chess, 2nd place – Jake H.

7th grade Most Promising Writers, Blue Ribbon – Bryce H.

Outstanding Drama Performance – Hope Seattle

Spelling, 2nd place – Sarah J.

LEST Service Award – Hope Seattle (Annual Food drive)

 

Math                                                                                                           Piano

 Champion of Character

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Glee Club Performance

 

Piano Performance