With the close of one school year and a break before the next, it is good to celebrate the successes of the past school year and to plan for the goals of the following year.

The final quarter of the 2002-3 school year was busy at Sacred Heart School! We worked hard on strengthening our students morally, socially, academically, and most of all, spiritually. The Lenten season brought many opportunities for our children to grow. One program that helped our 6th, 7th, and 8th graders was the "Breakfast of the Champions," a program that was the brainchild of parent and parishioner John Pelini. Our students went to 8 a.m. Mass each Tuesday and came downstairs to enjoy a hot breakfast prepared by Mr. Pelini and heard a motivational speaker. We also prayed the Stations of the Cross every Wednesday, and participated in the Living Stations with the PSR students on Good Friday.

Our students had many opportunities to perform for others during the last quarter of the year. The 7th grade students worked hard writing and producing an Easter/Spring play under the direction of Mrs. Porter and Mr. Pandrea. The play, "Candyland: The Game that came to Life," appealed to the younger students, who loved seeing their favorite Candyland characters come to life, and to the older students and adults, who were able to see the symbolism in the play. Mr. Mint represented Christ, and Lord Licorice represented evil. Plumpy, Jolly, Grandma Nut, Gloppy, Princess Lolly, Queen Frostine and King Candy all represented the Seven Deadly Sins. We were so proud of the way our students showed an understanding of their faith through this play!

Other performances this spring included a Music Program where our Bands, Violins, Recorders, the Singing Hearts Show Choir, and our School Choir demonstrated what they learned this year. The Sacred Heart School Talent Show was another opportunity for our students to shine. The grand finale was an act performed by the staff of SHS . The rendition of "Hail, Holy Queen" from the movie "Sister Act" was dedicated to Fr. Joe. Everyone knows how much Fr. Joe prays that more religious sisters will come and teach at our school. Father definitely got an answer to his prayer at the Talent Show.

Academically, our students shined also. Adam Gale received 1st place in the Power of the Pen District competition, and Steven Sponsler received 8th place. Tre Palecek received a "Best of Show" at the Wadsworth City Schools Art Show. Our Extended Learning Program has been working with Eagle Scout Candidate Brian Cooper to plant a garden on our school property. Sacred Heart School also decorated a "Horse of a Different Color" for the Akron Children’s Hospital. It will be on display in Akron all summer.

The gift of a Catholic education is one of the best gifts we can give a child. Not only are we creating a positive future for our world, but we are ensuring the future of our Catholic Church. We recognize that this gift would not be possible without the support of our parishioners. Our primary goal for the next year is to actively involve our parishioners in our school and to think of ways to let our parish know how much we appreciate the support they give to our school. Thank you for all that you do for Sacred Heart School! Have a restful and blessed summer break!