Fourth Time Basketball Champions in the History of Pilgrim Lutheran School at LEST 2013

Feb. 25, 2013 - PRLog -- Pilgrim Lutheran School’s 5-8th grade students participated last week at the Lutheran Elementary Scholastic Tournament (LEST) at Concordia University in Portland, Oregon from February 14-16th, winning the Boys’ Basketball Championship for the second time in the history of Pilgrim Lutheran School, making the Basketball Championship win tally tick up to 4 (two boys’ wins, and two girls wins).

According to Concordia University, LEST was held in 1962 with four Portland area schools (St. Paul-Sherwood, Trinity-Oregon City, Trinity-Portland, and Martin Luther-Portland). This first gathering involved a boys’ basketball tournament. A few years later a volleyball competition was added for the girls. As word of the tournament spread, schools from out of the Portland area (Idaho, Montana, northern California, Southern Oregon, and Washington) began traveling by train or bus to participate in the LEST. This year 18 schools from all over the Northwestern US participated.

“It’s fun to see our school spirit and participate in these events on a college campus,” said Noah Olson, an 8th grade student at Pilgrim Lutheran.  “I look forward to LEST every year and meet new kids every time.”

The tournament offers a variety of individual and team events that facilitate participants' emotional, intellectual, physical, and spiritual growth. Pilgrims students will be participating throughout the week during volleyball, basketball, a science bowl, spelling bee, knowledge bowl, a choir tournament, piano tournament, hand bells, a knowledge bowl, a chess tournament, and a theatrical production.

“Winning the championship was amazing,” stated Bridger Ueeck, 8th grade basketball player.  “LEST is always a fun event , even for people who aren’t participating to come watch the tournaments as well.”

Pilgrim’s award winners also included Blue Ribbon Performances in Choir, Handbells, piano, individual vocal, individual instrumental, and vocal ensemble.  Rounding out the Pilgrim champions are Noah Reitmeier who place 2nd place in 5th Grade chess, Quinn Schroeder who place 2nd place in 6th Grade chess, and Matthew Groh who placed 4th in 7th Grade chess.

Furthering the excitement of the month, Pilgrim’s Middle School Transition Night will be held on February 28th, from 6:30 - 7:30pm.  Fifth grade students will be getting ready mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for their journey into Middle School next year.
For more information, contact the school office at 503-644-8697.

About Pilgrim Lutheran School
Pilgrim Lutheran School is a Christian day school, serving girls & boys from preschool through eighth grade. Pilgrim Lutheran School admits students of any race, color, and national or ethnic origin.  We are dedicated to developing the whole child, and equipping children for life. For more or information call our school office 503-644-8697 or email school.office@pilgrimbeaverton.com.  For more information, visit www.pilgrimbeaverton.com

About LEST
The LEST is a ministry of Concordia University-Portland in partnership with elementary schools of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod. The LEST is based on the value of Christian education that emphasize the love and praise of God, thankful use of personal talents and service to others. The primary goal of the LEST is to provide an organized structure to promote fun, skill development, fair play, and fellowship among Lutheran elementary school youth through academic, athletic, and recreational activities.  For more information, visit http://www.cu-portland.edu/LEST/