Shepherd of the Prairie provides sweet treat surprises to Chesak Elementary teachers

Members of the Community Outreach Ministry of Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church in Huntley surprised teachers at Chesak Elementary School in Huntley to acknowledge National Teacher Appreciation Week (May 1-7).

With a variety of "SmallCakes" cupcake packages, Pastor Mark Boster and Community Outreach Ministry committee member Bob Malm visited the school to personally deliver the treats.

In expressing his appreciation, Pastor Boster said, "We are pleased to celebrate and thank teachers who serve so faithfully and give so much of themselves in order to see children succeed in education. Chesak School is hallowed ground for us at Shepherd of the Prairie. Our church began its worship life together at the school in 2001. For three years we worshipped in a multipurpose room and grew to the point where we moved to the gym in 2004."

"We also wish to say thank you to administrators and staff of District 158, striving to inspire, challenge and empower students in their care," said Pastor Boster. "This is most certainly true in the education received by our students."

"This was just one small, but important, token of appreciation to thank the teachers at Chesak," Bob Malm said. "We appreciate the partnership of SmallCakes Cupcakery and Creamery in South Barrington, which was very generous in helping us in this effort."

Each individual cupcake box included a sticker expressing Shepherd of the Prairie's heartfelt gratitude for the teachers' dedication in making a positive difference in the lives of the children. Church members Carolyn Malm and Deanne Byers helped with the project.

The Community Outreach Ministry is active in reaching out to the greater Huntley area. The church at 10805 Main St. sponsors several events, including food drives to benefit the Grafton Food Pantry in Huntley, which serves individuals from Huntley, Algonquin, Lake in the Hills, and Lakewood.

Shepherd of the Prairie Lutheran Church, under the faith leadership of Pastor Mark Boster, has served the Huntley community for over 20 years. Visit www.sotp.org.