Lutheran North Example

SHOCKtober!

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Tue, 25 Oct 2022 14:40:00 +0000

SHOCKtober was a screaming success. Many students participated in the costume contests, and there was one pumpkin that reigned supreme by the night's end.

Macomb County Assistant Prosecutor, Steve Fox was our guest speaker. Steve spoke about the legal dangers of drug and alcohol use and drug and alcohol possession. Steve has been a great friend and ally in the battle against drug and alcohol use, as he has spoken at numerous Example events. It's encouraging to have someone who possesses expertise and a passion to help young men and women understand the short term and long term effects of drugs and alcohol.

Thank you to all who attended. Our next event will be Saturday, December 17 from 7-9 p.m.

Our first event of the year!

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Tue, 06 Sep 2022 15:15:00 +0000

Example's first event for the 2022 - 2023 school year is this Saturday, September 10 from 7 - 9 p.m. Cost is $5.00. The atrium doors will be unlocked at 7:00 p.m.

You will need to brink a medium-ish sized blanket. No, we are not collecting blankets for worthy organizations. Yes, you and your blanket will return safely home.

We are excited about having the opportunity to give and receive encouragement and leading a drug and alcohol-free life.

Examples of Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Thu, 28 Apr 2022 19:11:00 +0000

Before this morning's chapel, two seniors shared with the entire student body why they won’t use drugs and alcohol at Prom this Friday. It was great to see them share encouraging words and reminding everyone that Prom can be great fun without drugs and alcohol.

Nolan shared this message and closed with Ephesians 5:18-20 and Romans 15:13:

“Good morning, everyone. The reason I will not drink and do drugs at prom is because I know the effects it can have on people. I have watched many people in my life go through rough issues while under the influence. The way I personally will stay sober is through willpower with help of the people I surround myself with. I hope I can help you all with your choices, and I also hope everyone else can stay sober with me too”

“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Ephesians 5:18-20

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” - Romans 15:13

Renette shared this message:

Good morning! Hey, seniors. Do any of you know how many days of school we have left? We have 18 days of school left. If you are anything like me, you’d think that It’s kind of scary to think about how little time we have left. It’s crunch time for us to get our grades up and make the correct decisions to help set up our future for college.

So, let’s talk about Prom. As you all know, Prom is tomorrow, and because I want to remember what happens on Prom night, I am choosing to not use drugs or alcohol.

54% of students drink more than 4 drinks on prom night.
More than 90% of teens believe their fellow classmates will likely drink and drive on prom night. Also,
Every day 28 people in the United States die because of a drinking related accident.

Now, besides the facts I just stated, the question still remains: Why am I personally choosing to do not drink or use drugs at prom? I could stand here and lecture you all on the negative effects that drugs and drinking could have on your body, but you guys already know that. Instead I’m going to focus on something different.

For those of you who don’t know me, Hi I’m Renette a senior and a cool fact about me is that I am adopted. The reason I was taken away from my original birth parents is that the police got a complaint of a party going on and my birth parents were far under the influence. Because of this decision they made one night, it impacted not only the rest of their lives but mine as well. They lost their daughter, and I lost my parents.
Now I know none of us are in this exact situation, but my goal in telling you this is to stand here and serve as an example that the decisions you make in one night not only affect you, but can also affect everyone else around you. I want to encourage you all to have a super fun night at prom and have an amazing time without the use of drugs and alcohol.

So go up to Mr.Brandt’s room sometime today, and sign the Example PROMise and get a wristband.

Thank you! :)

Thank you, Nolan and Renette for encouraging everyone to make healthy, God-pleasing decisions at Prom this year.

Example's Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sun, 12 Dec 2021 21:03:00 +0000

Example's Christmas party offered everyone who attended all types of gifts: encouragement, inspiration, pineapple juice, encouragement, candles, a great guest speaker, encouragement, pizza, laughter, and encouragement.

Pablo, Example's guest speaker described his descent into addiction at an early age. He also emphasized the importance of community. Once he began surrounding himself with people who made healthy, virtuous decisions he had a different outlook on life. He admitted that it was not easy, but after being clean of drugs and alcohol for nearly four years, his joy in life has been restored.

Example promotes the same message: surround yourself with people who share your values and make healthy, God-pleasing decisions to refrain from drugs and alcohol. Continue to receive and give encouragement to all the people God places in your life.

While we may not have decked any halls, many decked the floor, a Christmas tree, and each other during the Twelve Days of Scooter Christmas. Here is short video of the evening. Thanks to everyone who attended.

God has blessed us with so many gifts, but the greatest gift is the mercy, forgiveness, and salvation that is ours in Christ our Redeemer.

Merry Christmas!

Example's Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sat, 20 Nov 2021 15:10:00 +0000

'Tis the season...for Example's Christmas party. Make plans to attend our Christmas party on Saturday, December 11, from 7-9 p.m. Admission is $5.00 and a wrapped white-elephant gift.

The 2015 Ugly Christmas Sweater champion!

The night includes a great guest speaker from Families Against Narcotics, an ugly Christmas sweater contest, a white-elephant gift exchange, death-defying games involving scooters, and the opportunity to receive and give encouragement to remain alcohol and drug-free.

The gift exchange is meant to be fun. Dig around the basement, the attic, the garage for that very odd item that seems to be gathering dust. Wrap it up and bring it the party.

If you purchase something, do not exceed $5.00. There is no need to surprise Mr. Brandt with a Lund 2975 Pro V bass fishing boat. Really, there is no need. Truly, it's not necessary. :)

We want costs to be at a minimum, with fun and encouragement to be at a maximum.

SHOCKtober 2021

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Thu, 28 Oct 2021 23:24:00 +0000

Our SHOCKtober event included an excellent guest speaker, great questions, really starving hippos, balloons, pizza, and great encouragement to live a drug and alcohol free life.

Our guest speaker, Taylor shared her struggle with alcohol and drugs and her recovery. She shared insights and encouraged everyone to make healthy choices that do not involve alcohol and drugs.

Thanks to everyone who attended. Our next event will be Saturday, December 11 from 7 - 9 p.m.

Vaping Me Crazy...

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sun, 03 Oct 2021 16:44:00 +0000

Michael DeLeon is the founder and powerhouse behind Steered Straight Inc., a non-profit organization formed in 2007 upon his release from prison and designed to carry an important message to youth on the extreme dangers of drugs, gang involvement and associated criminal activity.

Steered Straight’s program reaches out to children, teens and young adults with a message of reality about life-choices and the importance of consequential thinking so that they understand that there are consequences to their actions. The reality of the message comes from Michael himself, who was entwined in the life of drugs and traveled a troubling road to get to his future. Throughout the country, Michael now leads a team of talented speakers who present a realistic and powerful prevention message. His “no holds back” message resonates well with student assemblies, faculty and parents.

One day we hope Michael speaks to our students at Lutheran North. Until then, here is one short video that offers some insights on the danger of vaping.

New Year. New Logo. Same Great Example!

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sun, 26 Sep 2021 17:14:00 +0000

Our first event of the year was fantastic! Alcohol and drugs are NOT an inevitable part of the high school experience. These students proved it.

We had a fun, laughs, t-shirts, paint, and learned about how Example can help students make God-pleasing decisions by avoiding drugs and alcohol. Students signed a banner with a paint-print of their hands to let other students know there are a lot of people who don't drink and use drugs while in high school. We want to make sure students know they are not alone in this decision. They are not on an island.

We also want students know if they have made unwise decisions concerning drugs and alcohol, Example is a great group to help them make better decisions. At every event you will receive encouragement from the other students and you will hear that in Christ our sins are forgiven, mercy is ours, we are renewed and healed.

Special thanks to Alyssa Schlump for designing our new t-shirts! 
If you would like buy a t-shirt, the cost is $15.00. Place your order with Mr. Brandt next week. 
It's a great way to represent Example and look good at the same time!

Our First Event

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Thu, 16 Sep 2021 18:53:00 +0000

After a year away from everyone, we are excited to announce our first event of the year takes place Saturday, September 25.

Doors open at 7:00 p.m. and lasts until 9:00.

Cost is $4.00

Lutheran North students only

Running Drugs Out of Town and Offer Encouragement to Others

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sat, 29 Aug 2020 19:20:00 +0000

Example's first event was a great success. We joined with Team SarBear and Families Against Narcotics to help Run Drugs Out of Town. Students, alumni, and teachers showed up to support Example by walking or running a 5k course at Lake St. Clair Metro Park.

Thank you to everyone who participated!

Example's First Event Of The Year is Here!

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sat, 22 Aug 2020 13:50:00 +0000

Each summer, Example participates in Run Drugs Out of Town, a 5k Run/Walk sponsored by Families Against Narcotics. Due to Covid 19 restrictions for such a large event, the run is virtual this year.

Example, however, is planning to put on real shoes and really walk or run, or any combination of both. Team Sarbear, a group of family and friends honoring Sarah, a beloved daughter, sister, and friend,who lost her brave battle with addiction, invited Example to walk/run with them.

Please join us on Saturday, August 29 at Lake St. Clair Metropark located on 1300 Metro Parkway in Harrison Township for a 5k walk/run.

We will meet at the Nature Center beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the walk/run will begin at 9:00 a.m.

Please note there is a fee to enter this Metropark, unless you have an annual pass.

Feel free to register via FAN if you would like to support this wonderful group, but it’s NOT a requirement for participation. See the link below for more information on FAN and registration.

The event is free. However, please let Mr. Brandt know if you will attend. Respond here or contact him via e-mail, JBrandt@lhsa.com. Team Sarbear is providing snacks and subs so an accurate number of those participating will be helpful.

Wear a mask and please stay physically distant.

Students, parents, and friends of Example are invited to participate. Wear your Example t-shirt if you have one. Freshmen, this would be a great way to begin the school year. Come on out, introduce yourself, and we’ll have a great time doing what we can to be Examples and encourage each other to make God-pleasing decisions concerning the use of drugs and alcohol.

Click here for more information on Families Against Narcotics.

Chronicling Example's Efforts

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sun, 03 Nov 2019 22:43:00 +0000

A recent article in the Macomb Township Chronicle featured Example. After reading the article, plan on attending our next even in December. Help us make a difference.

SHOCKtober

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sun, 20 Oct 2019 16:12:00 +0000

SHOCKtober was a great event for many reasons:

The costumes were excellent. Bella Ross was the best costume I've ever seen.
The pumpkins were creative creations.
There were no injuries. In itself that is an accomplishment because when the game is called Blindfold Scooter Relay Race, anything can happen.
Senior Noah Starkey offered great words of encouragement about why it's important to say something to your friends about their vaping, alcohol, and/or drug use.
The evening ended by watching a video produced by Families Against Narcotics that is posted below. Yes, we like to have fun and encourage each other to make Godly decisions concerning drugs and alcohol. We also want to educate these young men and women and that's exactly what the video did.

Another great beginning ...

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sun, 29 Sep 2019 17:08:00 +0000

Example's first event of the year took place last night. More than 75 students had fun, laughed, met new people, heard more about the importance of iron sharpening iron, and gave and received encouragement to enjoy a school year without drugs and alcohol.
Thank you to all who attended. To God be the glory.

Example's First Event!

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 23:17:00 +0000

Example's first event for this school year is Saturday, September 28 from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. This is a great way to begin the year by receiving or giving encouragement to help everyone make God-pleasing decisions concerning drugs and alcohol.

Lutheran North students only.
The cost is $3.00

Running Drugs Out of Town

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sat, 15 Jun 2019 19:21:00 +0000

Past, present, and future Mustangs converged at Family Against Narcotics' annual Run Drugs Out of Town 5k race. It was a great day to support family, friends, and neighbors who have been impacted by drug addiction.

Thank you to all the Example supporters for joining us at this wonderful event. While it may be difficult, Example believes encouraging young men and women to live a drug/alcohol free lifestyle is a worthy endeavor. Too many people have been affected by drugs and alcohol and we are trying to do all we can.

Thank you for supporting Example and your willingness to make a difference in the lives of others.

Help Example Help F.A.N. Run Drugs Out of Town!

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Sat, 25 May 2019 18:52:00 +0000

Click here for more details.

Before Friday's chapel Renette, a freshman at Lutheran North, explained the background of Families Against Narcotics

Hello,

I’m here to tell you about Families Against Narcotics. FAN is a community based program for those seeking recovery, those in recovery, family members affected by addiction, and community supporters. FAN is a non-profit, community based program that exists on government grants, donations, and fund raisers.

Its vision and purpose is to raise awareness to the dangers of prescription narcotics, support those affected by narcotics addiction and erase the stigma of addiction. It started twelve years ago in the basement of a church in Fraser, Michigan in response to several overdose deaths at Fraser High School. Today there are twenty-four FAN chapters and over thirty monthly meetings offered to anyone searching for education and support as they or their family members journey through the perils of addictions.

FAN offers to the community, addiction education and support, peer recovery coaching for recovering addicts, family coaching, scholarships to those who have little income or no insurance, sober living housing and immediate access to detox and rehabilitation through Hope Not Handcuffs.

Did you know that 1 in 3 families struggle with addiction and it affects 82 million people in our country? No one can do this alone and that’s why it’s important to take advantage of these life-saving resources. FAN is hosting its annual 5k run/walk, Run Drugs Out of Town” on Saturday, June 15^th and Example will be there running, walking, and supporting all the families that have been affected. If you are interested in being a part of Example’s group, talk to Mr. Brandt.

Several Example and Lutheran North graduates making a difference.

May God bless you and the FAN families.

Thank you,

Renette

Why Don't 'Cool' Parents Grow Up?

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Wed, 22 May 2019 22:21:00 +0000

During this graduation party season take advantage of the opportunity to be an example that models Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."

Prom enCOURAGEment

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Fri, 03 May 2019 17:08:00 +0000

This morning, Leyna encouraged those attending prom to make the most of this year's prom:

Hi I’m Leyna Gatti and I won’t be drinking alcohol or using drugs on prom night. Everyone in this room has at least one more year in high school, and I think we can all agree that high school is hard.

Aside from the academic aspect, you’re trying to fit in while at the same time trying to stand out. We’re all constantly making judgements about each other. You might want to be known for your brain, or your athleticism, or being funny. What you don’t want to be known as is the girl that drank at prom night and was acting crazy, or the boy that did something stupid while drunk.

If you make the choice to drink, you could ruin relationships with your teachers or friends, and all the work you’ve put in to your reputation can go down the drain. We all know word travels fast around these halls, and I want what’s being said about me to be positive. However, we all find our identity in Christ and will be forgiven for whatever bad choices we make, but I’m going to take this opportunity to make a good one and I hope you will

More Prom Encouragement

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Thu, 02 May 2019 17:45:00 +0000

This morning before chapel these two seniors shared why they are going to enjoy a drug/alcohol-free prom. Thank you, Alaina and Jake for your courage and willingness to encourage others.

I haven't always made the best decisions, but what I want you to know is that I have learned from those past mistakes. On prom night, I am making the decision to have fun without alcohol.

The beauty of our mistakes is that we grow and learn from them. 1 John 1:9 says “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” I encourage you to make the decision to not partake in activities that include alcohol or drugs.

Also, I encourage you to be the positive example for the people around you. You won't regret it, and neither will I. Always remember you're not alone, and choose wisely on prom night.

Hi, my name is Jake Mlynarek and I won’t be drinking the night of prom. But you already knew that. But it’s not because of the possible consequences or the legal issues.

Rather, it's because I don’t want to and I’m not afraid to say that. So if I can say it in front of the entire school, you can say it to your friends. Be safe on prom night

Prom Week!

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Tue, 30 Apr 2019 18:31:00 +0000

Magistrate Andary addressed Lutheran
North's student body on Monday.

Prom week is always a great time. To help encourage students attending prom, before chapel a student explains why she or he will not be drinking or using drugs during this prom weekend. The goal is to encourage others to make safe, God-pleasing decisions. Example wants the entire student body and Lutheran North community to know that there are plenty of high school students attending prom drug and alcohol free. Not only can it be done, plenty of students are enjoying a drug/alcohol-free prom.

On Monday, Magistrate Jennifer Andary spoke to the student body and explained the legal consequences of drug and alcohol use. With her were three representatives from the Sherriff's office, including Lieutenant Kim Hill, a 2004 Lutheran North graduate. Magistrate Andary also explained the consequences of vaping and sexting. She emphasized the importance of making decisions that reveal respect for yourself and for others.

Before chapel on Monday, senior Kendall Carlin shared these words of encouragement with the student body:

I have a rhetorical question for you all: who do you say that you are?

Now I have another question for you: do your actions align with who you say you are?
This prom season, I challenge you to have who you say you are align with your actions. If your actions don’t yet align, take the initiative to change them. In romans 12:2 it says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

Know that it is okay to say no. you do not have to conform to what others want or are pressuring you to do. During prom, before prom, after prom, whenever, know that who you say you are is more important than what others are trying to make you do.

Keep in mind these few things as you experience prom and the ending weeks of the school year. Who you say you are and what you do should always align. However, if you fail to do this, God’s mercy and grace will always be there for you.

Be safe this prom, and know you are not alone in saying no.

Before Tuesday's chapel, senior Lauren Mow shared this explanation with the student body.

Hi, my name is Lauren Mow and I have taken the PROMise not to drink or do drugs on prom night. So you may ask why? well it’s my senior prom and I want to be able to enjoy and remember every aspect of the night. I do not want to harm my family, friends, or myself because of a stupid decision. Alcohol and drugs are not needed to have a good time. I want to look back at my senior prom and remember having a good time with all my friends and most of all 2-stepping with Alexa Khacho and Arielle Cicchiti.

So on prom when you are faced with the decision, just know you are not alone in saying no. Thank you.

Another way Example encourages students to enjoy a drug/alcohol-free prom is to sign an Example PROMise and post them in the school's main hallway. We have all been blessed by Christ's righteousness and one way students can respond to that free gift of mercy is by enjoying a drug and alcohol free prom.

Example's Christmas Party

noreply@blogger.com (Example) — Sun, 16 Dec 2018 20:19:00 +0000

Giving and receiving gifts are a part of Christmas. At the Example Christmas event there were gifts given, gifts received, and thanks for the greatest given to mankind: Christ our redeemer.

Nearly fifty students attended the Example Christmas party. Justin was also at the Christmas event and shared his story about his descent into drug addiction, the many struggles he faced because of it, and his life of recovery. Justin, a recovering heroin addict, encouraged everyone in attendance to understand that the decisions we make always have consequences. Those consequences will be good or bad, depending on who they involve and how honest they are. After Justin's presentation we prayed for guidance and that the Lord would strengthen all of us to make healthy, drug-free decisions. It was great to hear Justin's story.

From there the night involved Santa's Scooter Sleigh Race, a white elephant gift exchange, and the ugliest as well as the most creative Christmas sweater and costume.

Here are a few pictures and a short video that recap the evening.

Thank you to everyone who attended. Spending a Saturday night at the school was never so important and so much fun.

Parents, Please Be Vigilant

noreply@blogger.com (John Brandt) — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 16:05:00 +0000

Mason Mizwicki's story is tragic for so many reasons.

On Dec. 31, 2014, Mason Mizwicki was a fun-loving 16-year-old headed to a New Year’s Eve party.
That New Year’s Day, his family was grieving his death and planning a funeral.
The linebacker and academic standout from Watervliet High School had taken three methadone pills at the party. When friends noticed him struggling, they encouraged him to sleep it off, but he’d never wake up again. An accidental drug overdose took his life at 9 a.m. that morning.

"Where do they get them? Most often from the medicine cabinets of their families, friends and acquaintances. Huyser said she’s heard of young people attending open houses of strangers to raid their medicine cabinets and purchasing drugs online."

Continue reading the rest of this story...

Parents, be vigilant and always teaching. Always teaching.

Example Trunk or Treat

noreply@blogger.com (Example) — Sun, 30 Sep 2018 17:25:00 +0000

Decorate your car and be a part of Example's Trunk or Treat event

on Saturday, October 27 from 4:00 -5:30 p.m.

Students in Example will decorate their cars

and hand out candy to the young children in our community.

There are a limited number of spaces, so contact Mr. Brandt to reserve your parking spot.

Don't drive? No problem.

Have mom or dad park the car while you decorate it.

Can't make the Trunk or Treat event? No problem.

From 5:30 - 6:30

there will be a costume contest, pumpkin-carved contest, and best-decorated car contest.

Donuts and cider will also be available after the youngsters have received their sugary treats.

Example's First Event of the Year

noreply@blogger.com (Example) — Wed, 22 Aug 2018 21:32:00 +0000

We are excited about beginning the 2018 - 2019 school year!

Sure there might be a bit of construction dust, but that adds to the excitement: football games, choir concerts, recitations, running the mile, bumps, sets and spikes, hallway laughter, hearing we are alive in the mercy of Christ, artistic creations, theatrical performances and ............

Example.

Our first event of the year is on Saturday, September 15 from 7-9 p.m. The cost is $3.00. There is no need to sign up. All you need to do is show up and be prepared to have fun, make a difference and receive encouragement to have a great high school experience without drugs and alcohol.

Here's a snippet of what last year's first event was like.