I gave up a few home runs

Eighteen of our staff spent the morning together for the latest stage of our strategic planning process. The question that led to the most animated discussion had to do with our focus. How much emphasis is put on school and academics, and how much focus needs to be on the clinical treatment needs of our students? Of course both are important as we try to serve the students in a holistic way. Some of our students are gifted and talented, and are to be encouraged to strive for excellence. Others come to us below grade level, and we try to nurture them to make steady progress. Because students often come from difficult backgrounds, we find ways to help them heal life’s hurts. We don’t really have the luxury of choosing one or the other but do our best to respond to children in need.

Nick and Shawn are our two high school boys chosen to represent St. Joseph’s Indian School at our June donor luncheons in Chicago. With only a couple of weeks left of school, it’s been hard to find time to practice when both of them available, but we were able to meet this afternoon and get them started. They were hard on themselves when I asked how they did, but it gave them a chance to see what they need to think about and what they want to say. They’re both very excited about being in such a big city.

I began taking a walk around campus this evening to enjoy the wonderful weather. When I walked by the 4th and 5th grade softball game, I was offered the chance to pitch for a few innings. I pitched for both teams and didn’t play favorites, but when the game was finished and I found out that Furies won their first game of the whole season; I was happy for them. When that game was over, I continued my stroll and came to the field where the 6th– 8th graders were competing and I threw a few innings there too. In slow pitch, I’m pretty good at throwing strikes, so I kept laying it in there and batters hit away. I gave up a few home runs, but didn’t mind at all. There were some good defensive plays behind me, and the game kept moving along. Being out in the fresh air with the students had an invigorating effect.

Author: St. Joseph's Indian School

At St. Joseph's Indian School, our privately-funded programs for Lakota (Sioux) children in need have evolved over 90 years of family partnership, experience and education. Because of generous friends who share tax-deductible donations, Native American youth receive a safe, stable home life; individual counseling and guidance; carefully planned curriculum based on Lakota culture and individual student needs and tools to help build confidence, boost self-esteem and improve cultural awareness. All of this helps children to live a bright, productive, possibility-filled future.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *