The good news is our priceless youth

I begin my Creative Writing Class at Wasilla Lake Christian School with a “Good of the Order” invite. My six seniors sometimes note the latest tragedy, whether it be violence, plane crashes, or nuclear weapons mediation. Easter weekend I realized that the Good News is “my seniors.”

As I’ve stumbled along at WLCS learning to teach different developmental levels, one group I’ve connected and bonded with are my seniors. They demonstrate curiosity, faith, intelligence and a sense of humor.

Consider “Twin Day,” when one senior and I wore the same red-checkered shirts and he mimicked my mannerisms and teaching style to the “T.” Great laughs. He even taught a lesson on empowerment and the importance of listening to youth and taking them seriously. My seniors have been “empowered and listened to” for years by local, healthy, faith-filled teachers and community members.

I love teaching. Morrie, of “Tuesday’s with Morrie,” by Mitch Albom, has “Teacher to the End” on his headstone. That’s me.

I wondered how I’d make ends meet when I took this job. I didn’t know it at the time, though, but I’d soon become a “millionaire” in student and faculty relationships. Wasilla Lake Christian faculty, with decades of competent teaching experience, are a “wealth” ready to be tapped as local experts on scripture and Holy Book writings.

Recently, my seniors began writing about their life’s passion and their most influential spiritual leaders. Interestingly, none of the national religious columnists were referenced by any of the six future leaders.

They did write, however, about local heroes who’ve mentored them. I hear politicians, parents, school personnel, etc. profess that our “future is in the hands of our children, grandchildren,” etc. and that adults need to make good decisions, now, for their future (i.e. budgets, legislation, etc.). I teach my students not to wait for “invitation,” but to “step up and be the change (Gandhi): self-initiate.” They’re ready to lead.

I honor my seniors by enjoying each one for their uniqueness, creativity and contribution to our community. I try to shape their writing so they appropriately express their passions and unique points of view. I’m also witness to the impact of a hard-working faculty and other local churches on their growth and development.

Consider these select student comments from senior papers merging their writing about a favorite “passion” and a favorite “spiritual leader”:

• “I admire those who follow their passions. He cites Georg Hegel, saying “Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion.”

• “I almost picked a fight in a basketball game. My mentor texted to my father: “Congratulations on raising a son with enough heart to fight, and enough Jesus not to.”

• “… my fearless, crazy, strong, smart, loving, beautiful mother. You taught me so much about the world. I don’t think you realize just how amazing you are. You’ve taught me … how to treat people, how to be polite, how to pray… how to be the man I am today.”

• “Lazy Mountain Bible Church Youth Group changed me, has strengthened my connection with God, and has given me the best friends I ever had.”

• “She is my spiritual leader because she has self-discipline and always makes sure that she reads her Bible and prays every day. She has a really good firm and strong relationship with God.”

• “My teachers have taught me to love unconditionally, live with passion for Christ, and always give your best. I couldn’t be more thankful for these amazing teachers.”

I know I’ll die a rich man after my brief time with these six beautiful young people. The Valley should celebrate youth like the Wasilla Lake Christian senior class — Braden, Sarah, Olivia, Dawson, Sammy, and John. Way to go!