Mourning loss of St. John Lutheran

It had been my intention to write of this last fall, but I was unable to put into words the sense of loss. It has been just a year since a part of our community died. Many were not even aware that it happened. It went away so quietly, no announcement in the papers, no stories, just those who were forced to endure the loss directly.

St. John Lutheran School was a part of the Wheaton community for 55 joyous years. A quiet gem of a school that developed exceptionally well rounded and well prepared Christian youth. August 2010 saw the stunning elimination of grades 1-8. Gone are the years of science fairs, with so many students advancing to earn gold ribbons at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science.

Gone are the geography bees, musicals, band concerts, choirs, fine arts festivals, service projects, children running at recess, chess competitions. Gone are the athletics — volleyball, basketball, track & field, and multiple state titles for its cross country team, and hosting the highly regarded St John Invitational Basketball Tournament for 27 years.

Gone are the Children’s Clothing & Toy Resale, 50 Hecto (5K) Race, and Christmas Confection Sale. Gone are so many exceptional teachers and staff. All gone. It’s so quiet now. Perhaps you didn’t even know. Another piece of our community has slipped away without even a whisper. How incredibly sad.

Christine Boyd

Wheaton