8th Grade

Ever since 2013, we have had a student in the New Lenox School District. We have loved just about every teacher, administrator, and memory made in district 122. It's crazy to think that this is our last year with a kid in elementary/junior high. Having the baby of the family on the verge of high school is absolutely mind-boggling, but we are here whether we're ready or not! We know that Joel will do an amazing job in 8th grade. He had such a wonderful start to junior high and we are certain that he will finish strong. He has quite a few of the same teachers that his siblings had, so that adds some excitement to things. And, while he is commonly known for being Caleb and Leah's brother, Joel does a great job of setting himself apart and making a name for himself. He works so hard, sets a great example of how to behave, and gets along with just about everyone. We are proud of how hard he has worked up until this point and cannot wait to see him succeed again this year!

What is your name? Joel Patrick Sturm

How old are you? 13

What do you want to be when you grow up? either a carpenter or a PE teacher

What is your favorite food? smoked ribs

What is your favorite drink? Root Beer

What makes you happy? Chief

What makes you sad? getting in trouble

What is your favorite thing to do at home? watch tv or snuggle with Chief

Who is your best friend? Quinton

Where is your favorite place to go? Cedar Point

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? shopping

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? anything really

What is the best part about Caleb (brother)? He gives me rides.

What is the best part about Leah (sister)? She is friendly and has sympathy.

What is your favorite book? Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

What is your favorite movie? Anything Adam Sandler

Where is your favorite place to eat? Hibachi

What is your favorite thing to wear? sweatshirts

Sophomore Year

Freshman year flew by so fast for Leah and she did an incredible job of adjusting to high school. We know that this year will be more of the same. She is incredibly hard working, super responsible, and gives 100% to all that she does. Leah does a fantastic job of balancing every aspect of school and she does it was such ease and grace. We cannot wait to see her flourish again this year!

What is your name? Girl, bye! Leah.

How old are you? 15

What do you want to be when you grow up? teacher

What is your favorite food? pasta

What is your favorite drink? Starbucks

What makes you happy? People and Sports

What makes you sad? nothing bro

What is your favorite thing to do at home? go outside

Who is your best friend? Brooke

Where is your favorite place to go? the beach

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? shop

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? go get coffee

What is the best part about Caleb (brother)? He always pushes me to be better.

What is the best part about Joel (brother)? He is creative.

What is your favorite book? The Summer I Turned Pretty

What is your favorite movie? Hunger Games

Where is your favorite place to eat? Chilis

What is your favorite thing to wear? jeans and black top

Senior Year

When people say that time will fly by when raising kids, they aren't kidding! It truly feels like yesterday that we sent Caleb off to his first day of preschool and he marched into the room with such confidence while I held back every tear that I wanted to cry. Throughout the years, plenty of tears have been shed...some were tears of joy, some of frustration, but mostly tears of pride. Watching Caleb grow and learn as a student has been absolutely amazing. He has always had the most positive outlook on school and (for the most part) enjoyed the entire ride from preschool up until now. He has surpassed our expectations in so many ways and we are extremely proud of the young man that he has become. We know that this final year will be filled with so many more tears, but we cannot wait to soak in every last bit of the moments and memories made with him.

What is your name? Caleb

How old are you? 17

What do you want to be when you grow up? environmental engineer

What is your favorite food? Fettuccini Alfredo

What is your favorite drink? Sprecher's Root Beer

What makes you happy? playing football

What makes you sad? not playing football

What is your favorite thing to do at home? play wiffle ball

Who is your best friend? Micah

Where is your favorite place to go? the lake

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? go hiking

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? play sports

What is the best part about Leah (sister)? She's pretty funny.

What is the best part about Joel (brother)? He is hard working.

What is your favorite book? Harry Potter

What is your favorite movie? Rush Hour

Where is your favorite place to eat? Chipotle

What is your favorite thing to wear? my football jersey

Lake 2025

After last summer and (what we thought was) our final goodbye at the lake, we just couldn't imagine a summer passing by without a lake trip. We knew it would be quite different to have to find a place to rent, pack SO much more stuff, and not have all the luxuries of a big lake house and dock. We found a place that seemed to be a good fit, but unfortunately learned that pictures can be deceiving! After unloading and doing quite a bit of work to get things comfortable, we tried to make the most of the situation. However, after two nights, we discovered mold in an air vent and knew that it was time to hit the road. We were quite fortunate to find another place with availability for the remainder of our trip. We packed everything up and ventured off to the new place. We ended up having the most wonderful time and quickly settled into lake life. We absolutely loved the time spent on the dock, endless games and conversations on the porch, fishing, tubing, walks, and so much more. It was everything we needed and a good reminder that this needs to continue to be a summer tradition!