Natalie by Kristen Okabayashi
The circumstances around the unexpected loss of our former student Natalie were tragic, and it will take many of us a long time to process through our grief and sadness. As I write this, we are preparing for her celebration of life service, and in that spirit I would like to share more about what a bright light and joy-filled young lady she was.
Natalie was an extremely academically bright young lady. She was younger than all her classmates, and yet led the class in grades and ability. She pushed herself do her best in all subjects, and had high expectations for all her assignments and projects. She served as co-valedictorian of her graduating class with an almost perfect A+ grade point average. Despite being at the top of her class, she was always willing to lend a hand to a student who needed help or who had questions. One of our students in a younger grade wrote about her, “When I was in second grade I needed help with my homework so she helped me. She was a good teacher and was kind and cared about people with all her heart.”
Natalie was a creative thespian, and she would say drama turned into her biggest passion. Under the tutelage of drama teachers Sandra Scragg and Mary Norton, she participated in drama club and competed in LEST in drama all four eligible years. Natalie was an extremely sweet and kind young lady, and yet she had a gift of playing sort of “sketchy” characters such as a thief and a bratty young girl with amazing success. She also competed at LEST in Knowledge Bowl, spelling and glee club, winning first place in spelling and a blue ribbon with Glee Club during her 8th grade year at Hope.
Most of all, Natalie was a good friend to others and an amazing big sister to her little brother. Despite being so young, she had the innate ability to connect with people of all backgrounds and ages. Many girls in her class would describe her as their best friend. She was consistently kind and loving with everyone around her. She took care of her little brother Nicky, never wanting her light to shine brighter despite her many talents and gifts.
At Natalie’s service, I will read the following verse from John 1:35-5 Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. Please keep Natalie’s family in your prayers as we move forward together into the light.
Tues. 1/15: Pacific Science Center Van Visit – All Day / 6:30 AM
Wed. 1/16: 8:00 AM Muffins with Mom / 8:40 AM Chapel led by 2nd Grade
Mon. 1/21: No School and No ESC – MLK Jr. Day
Wed. 1/23: 8:00 AM Chapel led by 6th Grade
Re-Enrollment for Fall 2019 – January 15-21
Our re-enrollment packet is coming home today, Tuesday, January 15th in the communication envelope with information on enrolling through K12online. All students will receive a new student number and access key. Re-enrollment will begin January 15th to the 21st for currently enrolled families. If you have any questions about re-enrollment, please email or call the school office or admissions director at sheit@hopeseattle.org. On January 28, 2019 we will begin processing new applications from the community.
Preschool Open House, Tonight, January 15, 6:30 PM
Invite your friends, neighbors and family members to check out our Preschool Open House on Tuesday, January 15 at 6:30 pm. Hope School offers 3 year-old and 4 year-old play-based programs with two to five day options and an option for extended care. Bring your little one and see first-hand the learning and fun students have here at Hope.
Muffins with Mom – Tomorrow – January 16 @ 8:00 AM – New Event Hosted by PTH!
Start your day off with a little extra love! Mom, or another special guest, can enjoy a muffin and coffee or tea with their student this morning. Gather in our church commons and enjoy fellowship with other families and then stay for our chapel service presented by 2nd grade at 8:40 AM.
New School Newspaper
Look for the new BLUE and GOLD Newspaper in your yellow communication envelope this week; we are so excited to share our first edition! Newspaper class is a new elective in middle school this trimester, led by Mrs. Meyer. The students are experiencing how to write articles based on newsworthy happenings at Hope.
Living Water Matching Grant Update – Thank You! Your generosity met the grant $15,000 match and more! The total given to date is over $16,418.01! You have made a difference by giving clean water in the name of Jesus and literally saving lives. Thank you to the 74 families and Hope School children who participated!
School Clubs at Hope – Click Here
PTH & PIP Opportunities – Click Here
Church News & Activities – Click Here
New Member Class – January 25 & 26, 2019
Are you interested in finding out more about Hope Church? Then join us on Friday, January 25, 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, January 26, 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Note: If you are transferring from another LCMS congregation, you only need to attend on Friday night. Pastor Peter will lead us through Hope’s vision on Friday night and on Saturday will provide a greater understanding of the Lutheran faith, its history, and statements of belief. Contact patramueller@hopeseattle.org to sign up or if you have questions.
Open House for Seattle Lutheran High School – Thurs., January 31, 2019, 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Join us for our Open House featuring a look at the exciting courses offered during
J-Term, including our environmental science trip to Costa Rica. It will feature a tour of the facility, as well as interaction with Seattle Lutheran’s faculty and administration. We are located at 4100 SW Genesee Street, Seattle, WA 98116. For more information contact Rachel Bigliardi at 206-937-7722 or visit our website at www.seattlelutheran.org to RSVP for the open house.
