In English class, our St. John’s 7-8th grade students were taught about the sanctity of human life from a Biblical standpoint. They discussed these issues which affect human life from the moment of conception to natural death. The students wrote pro-life essays as an English assignment. Stipulations were that they had to include this year’s theme “That They May Have Life” and the theme verse: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10) in their essays.
We held our own St. John’s Lutherans for Life essay contest. The students’ essays were anonymously judged by a panel of educators not connected to St. John’s.
- Our first-place winner is Addie Allen with her essay entitled “Children Are a Heritage from the Lord” (click here to read essay).
- Our second-place winner is Regan Martin with her essay entitled “It’s a Setback, Not the End” (click here to read essay).
- Regan’s and Addie’s names are on a plaque that will be hung in our building.
Addie Allen’s first place essay was sent to the Michigan chapter of Lutherans for Life for their sponsored state contest. We are very pleased to announce that Addie won the state contest! She received a certificate and $150 from Michigan Lutherans for Life. Her essay was then sent to the National Lutherans for Life Essay Contest. We are waiting to hear the results of that (written April 20, 2026).
We are so pleased that all our 7-8th grade students wrote excellent essays and have hearts of compassion and grace for all who need support in difficult situations. This was a great learning experience and an opportunity to put their writing skills to good use. We will continue participation in this essay contest every year.
God’s blessings! Lisa Bach, St. John’s ELA teacher