West Bend, Wi – During Catholic Schools Week, students from St. Frances Cabrini read their essays during Mass. Below is the first of four essays by Piper Sobotka.
This is my 11th Catholic Schools Week at St. Frances Cabrini and as I look back on the past, I realize how thankful I should be to have received a great Catholic education at this school.
I have developed into who I am today because of the wonderful environment I have been around and grown up with. This school has given me the gift to excel in many things such as sports, extracurriculars, my schoolwork, and most importantly my relationship with God with the help of my teachers, classmates, and the staff.
Throughout my school years, I have done basketball, volleyball, forensics, chess club, ski club, morning announcements, and math Olympiads, leading me to be able to explore many different hobbies and experiences and meet many new people throughout my time here. Basketball and volleyball were great experiences for me because they taught me teamwork and leadership.
This year I am one of 3 eighth graders on the girls 7th and 8th grade basketball team. This has helped me to become a leader because I need to be a good example for the younger girls on my team. Forensics has been one of my favorite things I have experienced at Cabrini. I have gained so much confidence in public speaking and started enjoying performing in front of a group.
The two years I have been participating in forensics I have placed 3rd twice at state and am so excited to start competing again this year. I am so grateful that I have done math Olympiads and chess club because it has pushed me to think out of the box and think through things thoroughly.
Although I did not do all the clubs offered at Cabrini, I am so grateful that I have signed up for all those because they have helped me with my character development and shaped me into who I am today.
Cabrini has a great educational program because of the things we learn, and the way the teachers teach us. The teachers have great ways of teaching and will work through things with you even when you’re stuck and need help. One of my favorite things about going to school at a catholic school is the way the teachers incorporate God into things we learn, while still teaching us in a fun, easy-to-understand way. I have gained so much knowledge from all the things I have learned, and the teachers have given me so many life lessons that have helped me through the obstacles in my life. The staff shows God’s love and follows his teachings.
This year’s school theme is “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” The teachers are great examples of this and push the students to also follow the commandments. One thing I enjoy is how most classes pray before the start of the class. This helps me keep a positive mind before starting a class I may not like. Every day at 11:00 our school stops and does the Angelus prayer.
I love doing this because it clears my mind in the middle of the day and helps me feel comfortable even when I’m overwhelmed or stressed in class. Every day we pray during the morning announcements, and we have an end of the day prayer. This reminds me that every day is God’s Day and that we should always live for Him, throughout the school day and even after we go home. Each Friday, we go to mass in the morning.
I love doing this because it shows the importance of God over anything. Our whole school joins as one family in God to praise Him. Cabrini’s priority on making sure the students have a great relationship with Jesus is one of the most important reasons why I love going to school here because I know that God is the most important thing in my life.
Now that my time is ending soon at this school, although I will miss it, I know that I will carry the life lessons and teachings I have learned here at Cabrini with me forever on to the new chapters in my life, and I will continue to keep my relationship with God strong. I am so grateful to have received an education at Saint Frances Cabrini school and will forever cherish the memories from these past 11 years.
February 1, 2025 – West Bend, Wi – Each year, prior to Catholic Schools Week, a committee will convene to elect/determine the recipient of the annual St. Frances Cabrini Mother Cabrini Award established in 1988.
The committee will consist of the winners of the three previous years, as well as the Principal or the Pastor. The award is a “Chambers” certificate and a tiny saint of their choosing. The criteria to be considered, but not limited to include Perseverance, Missionary Zeal, Simplicity and Educational Mission.
Recognizing past winners still teaching today include Mrs. Taylor, Mr. Mac, Mrs. Graper, Mrs. L, Mrs. Lehnerz, Mrs. Heinen, Mrs. Wolfe, and Mrs. Lammert. Thank you for continuing to be shining examples at SFC.
Now to present this year’s Mother Cabrini Award winner.
This teacher has a heart for praying for others. She is the first one to ask how you are doing when you are going through a tough time and always makes sure you know she is praying for you. She is one of our prayer warriors you want in your corner when you need God to listen. She loves little kids and guiding them on a path toward God.
She especially loves doing this with her grandkids. The church and school at Cabrini are her top priorities beyond her family. Her time here spans back to 2001, almost 24 years here at Cabrini. She is the definition of Loyal.
During that time, she has been moved around to Aftercare, aide, enrichment care, K4 teacher, asked to try new things, try different time frames to work and like the apostles, after the holy spirit descended on them, Mrs. Deb Lehnerz goes out to serve the Lord in His church and school. She is a humble servant of God and is very deserving of this year’s Mother Cabrini Award. Congratulations to Mrs. Deb Lehnerz.