Kitebridge

Engaging New Americans in Service

New American Teens Succeed in Lutheran High Schools After Committing to Serve

James Gayeyou, Marchello Kaka and Henry Manu have upgraded the value of their education by making a commitment to serve. Their willingness to serve has opened up new opportunities as they are now making progress in their new Christian Lutheran college-prep high school.

All three of these hard working guys were attending public high schools when we found out about the Kitebridge program. The students and their families were not happy with the education, opportunities and environment at their high school. Unfortunately they could not afford a private school even with support from church and CFNA. That changed when they agreed to serve other newcomers to the United States and St. Louis. The program, called Kitebridge, recruits international students who live in St. Louis during the school year to attend Lutheran High School North (LHSN) & South (LHSS). They benefit from domestic students helping acculturate them and support their English language growth. Dorm Mentors like James, Marchello and Henry benefit from the tuition assistance that allows them to attend LHSN or LHSS.

Henry is a sophomore at LHSS and plays on the basketball team. He is a great athlete who will be helping the Lancers for the next two seasons! James is a sophomore at LHSN where he has been so impressive in wrestling that he was selected for the state qualifying tournament. Marchello, former Word of Life Lutheran School athlete, is a sophomore at LHSN and has been playing soccer and basketball. All three students benefit not only from our great Lutheran High Schools, but they also receive tutoring assistance and college planning services from Kitebridge.

It’s not just James, Henry and Marchello who are excited to have this opportunity. Their families are also thrilled. I went with James’ mother, Elizabeth, to see James wrestle and check out his new school. She was so proud after seeing his school and meeting the teachers and coaches who spoke highly of James. She also toured the new apartment complex that serves as their dorms and school support facility. There she met the on-site Kitebridge staff, as well as his Chinese roommate. Elizabeth was overwhelmed with these new opportunities for her son.

As CFNA, with its partners, continues to strengthen the Kitebridge link, it is anticipated additional New American students will become the beneficiaries of this effort.

Mark Thompson, DCE Timothy Lutheran Church - dce@timothystl.org