Imagine the excitement of a 4 year old preschooler starting school. Parents and children have high expectations and hope for the future. But sometimes there are stumbling blocks that crush those dreams.
Julian began school at Zion Lutheran, St. Charles, when he was 4 but by the time he was in the early primary grades, things were getting tough for him academically. That didn’t stop him from working hard. In Junior High Julian got the organizational help he needed when classroom and LASE special education teachers created a Google Doc that he could use to keep his assignments in order. Study guides and modified work load all helped Julian become more successful in school. Now as an 8th grader, Julian is confident in his abilities and able to manage his work load with increased independence. He has made incredible growth academically, socially, and spiritually. Julian will be confirmed in the Spring of 2015 and was recently named the Dance Representative to Zion’s Student Council.

“And the 2014 Prom King for Lutheran High School St. Charles is Gene Wooden!” What a wonderful tribute to the student body at LHSSC that they accepted Gene’s special challenges and saw him only as a fellow classmate and leader. His mom, Kimberly, says, “Over the past 4 years, Gene has grown to become a very outgoing and productive young man. LASE Learning Center Teacher, Mrs. Sue Klobnak, along with her support team, provided Gene with an enormous amount of solution based strategies along with personal support. Gene received a solid Christian education that has helped him become the man he is. Without Mrs. Klobnak, we are not sure if Gene would have had such a positive high school experience. Thank you.” Gene has adjusted well to his new work experience in the Vocational Rehabilitation Program and is currently placed at Children’s Hospital. He misses LHSSC, but will always remember his time there, especially his memorable prom night.