Over the past few years, La Lumiere School and Springfield Elementary School in La Porte have developed a dynamic partnership. La Lumiere students spend one afternoon a week participating in the Big Buddies program and provide tutoring services to various grades throughout the year.
Two years ago, La Lumiere students, prompted by the faculty at Springfield, decided to spread a little Christmas cheer. They set out to provide hats, gloves and scarves for 15 kids – they ended up collecting clothes, toys, food (of the sugary variety) and other items for 60 deserving children.
This year, with the bar set rather high, La Lumiere set out to match last year’s benevolence. On Monday, when the items were packed and wrapped in shoe boxes, the students had 61 presents to deliver to Springfield.
“I am not surprised but always impressed and proud of the work of our students. I am certain the La Lumiere kids get out of this more than they put into it, as their work is not about how this looks on transcripts or fulfilling community service expectations – it is about answering the call to serve,” Headmaster Kennedy commented. “I think this partnership with Springfield is quite special and I particularly enjoy the compassionate competitiveness – as we call it out here – that exists. Next year, our students will undoubtedly surpass the size of this year’s delivery.”