Memorial Day

Thank you to all of those who gave their lives so that we may continue to enjoy our freedoms.  God Bless.

The Class of 2015

Graduation is right around the corner.  After that, you are the new eighth graders.  While you may not realize it, being the most senior class in the school carries a tremendous responsibility.  Every class, from the 7^th to the kindergarten is looking to you for direction and as role models. 

Even though the school has been around for over a hundred years, the culture and personality of the school is determined first and foremost by the students.  And the group of students with the greatest amount of influence is the eighth grade.  You will set the tone for the entire 2013-2014 school year.

I believe in the idea that we our responsibility to make whatever it is we start better when we leave.  That should apply to everything we do in life.  If you happen to agree with me, your responsibilities as an eighth grader just increase.  You have made the school, teachers, and parents proud for the previous 8 years, so I know you are up to the challenge. 

It is also time to have fun.  Your eighth grade year should be your best.  You have reached the top of the pile and it is time to enjoy the view.  You have worked hard to get here and should enjoy the privileges of being the most senior class.

What are you looking forward to the most as you enter eighth grade?  What tone do you want to set for the rest of the school and how will you do it?  What will you do, both individually and as a class, during the next year to make St. Joe’s better?  

Nigerian Kidnapping

On April 15, 2014 more than 300 teenage girls were abducted from the secondary boarding school Chibok in Lagos, Nigeria.  Boko Haram, and Islamic terrorist group has claimed responsibility and is threatening to sell the girls in the market. 

This is just another in a series of heinous acts committed by Boko Haram.  The organization has been classified as a terrorist organization by the United States and there is a $7 million bounty on the group’s leader, Abubakar Shekau. 

While Boko Haram is responsible for countless murders and kidnapping, the size and atrocity of this act has captured the interest of international groups and governments, including the United States and China.  As recently as Tuesday, the U.S. State Department has pledged assistance with technical experts in intelligence, investigation and hostage negotiations.   China has offered to assist with satellite imaging and other technical assistance.  Unfortunately, the Nigerian’s initial reluctance to accepting help has given the terrorist organization a three week head start.

Boko Haram’s name is translated “Western education is sinful”. They believe in pure translation of Sharia law which considers everything Western as evil.  The leader, Abubakar Shekau recently released a video in which he says, “I abducted your girls. I will sell them in the market, by Allah. There is a market for selling humans. Allah says I should sell.  He commands me to sell. I will sell the women. I sell women.”

The Nigerian leaders, including President Jonathan Goodluck, have not demonstrated the ability to effectively handled Boko Haram or recover the abducted girls.  What should be done to recover these girls?  What role should the United States play in the recovery?  How do you think the international community should deal with groups like Boko Haram?  Lastly, please say a prayer for the safe return and recovery of the girls and their families.