On Friday, April 13th, over one hundred 5th through 8th grade students at St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point gathered to play dodgeball and raise money for La Rabida Children’s Hospital. This hospital, in Chicago, is the only children’s hospital in the country to specialize in chronic illnesses and developmental disabilities.
Prior to the prayer to begin the evening’s competition, Principal Tom Ruiz told the students about the time he spent at La Rabida as a child with severe asthma. Seventh graders Regan Leader and Lauren Serrano said, “it felt good to help others.” Seventh grader, Aidan Conley, said, “it was important to remember that true reason was to raise money and awareness about La Rabida.”
The tournament was organized by St. Mary’s Student Council. Junior high teachers Theresa McLoughlin and Kylie Fankhauser oversaw the spirited, but friendly, competition. They were aided by numerous St. Mary’s graduates who are now in high school. Some even wore dodgeball shirts from their St. Mary’s days, as the event has a long tradition.
St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point offers grade levels Junior Pre-Kindergarten (for three year olds) through grade eight. St. Mary’s faculty teaches a rich curriculum supported by cutting-edge technology. Faith, Academic Excellence, Life Lessons, and Compassion are the pillars of the school. Students in all grades are provided with opportunities to help others by way of service projects. St. Mary’s is currently accepting new students for the 2018-2019 school year. To learn more about St. Mary’s School or schedule a tour, visit stmarycp.org/school.