Petra Orescanin: CFNA Student of the Month

Petra, born in Croatia during the time of the Bosnian civil war, arrived in St. Louis with her mother Sladjana as refugees approximately eight years ago. Shortly thereafter, through a friendship that developed between this family and Jerry and Joyce Birk, Petra was enrolled in Green Park Lutheran School as one of the first of the CFNA scholarship students. The Birks, life-long LCMS members, have for years been members of Peace Lutheran Church in South County.

Having completed her elementary school studies in St. Louis, Petra sought enrollment at Lutheran High South, and was accepted as a member of the 2009 freshman class as a CFNA scholarship student. Now a senior, Petra looks forward to graduating from South this coming spring.

During her years at South, Petra distinguished herself as a very good student, and athlete.  Indeed, the Mehlville Optimist Club recently honored Petra as its Student of the Month. (See photo.)  In its citation, the Optimists noted, “Petra’s continued involvement in academic and social functions describes her character. She is a mentor to new students, active in the Christian Fellowship program (through LHSS), and a member of the cross country and track teams.” (Oakville Call. Call Publishing.11.22.12)

In addition to being a very good student and athlete, Petra has also shown herself to be uncommonly considerate of others, as is evident in this following provided by Jerry.

“Peace (Lutheran) Church had a 7th grade girls basketball team which I helped coach. Petra played and was by far our best player. We were in the CYC league and with three games to go, we had a one game lead. Petra was always telling me she felt very bad that she was playing more than some of the other girls. So we asked the team to vote if we should try to win the championship or play all the girls equally.  The girls voted to try to win the championship. There was however, still a specified amount of time each girl had to play.

“We did win the championship. I can only remember how much Petra cared about the other girls and constantly asked me to play others in her place. This is really a caring person. I admire her very much.”

We wish Petra and her mother Sladjana our Lord’s richest blessings in the days to come, and may they continue to be a blessing to others.