Springing into action as the weather warms up

Spring time at Lawrence Woodmere Academy (LWA) sounds like baseball and softball bats clanging as balls are hit and the quiet chatter of students discussing the homestretch of the school year (and how intimidating it is). It is the voices of the young stars of the middle school musical and the senior countdowns ticking towards graduation. LWA has caught spring fever and we are not complaining.
It is a time for revival. It gives us the opportunity to shed some of the heaviness of winter and set things free. Open your schedules and make time for something new. LWA has been moving as fast as the spring winds, from students discussing the displacement crisis in the developing world at a Global Concerns conference to the sports teams making their mark on the fields with their cleats.
The baseball and softball teams have begun practicing and are looking strong this year. They have sometimes had to share the gym due to inclement weather, but used the time to learn from each other. Although the sports differ, basic skills and tips are shared. The teams are supportive of each other and both are striving for successful seasons. During their free time, the athletes have played catch in the gym or talked about the upcoming season in the cafeteria, planning to approach the next few months with fiery determination.
Ten students ventured into New York last month for a Global Concerns conference. In the spirit of change, they learned to see issues from new perspectives. “Working with other students from different schools allowed me to hear about what they thought and see that maybe our ideas weren’t so different,” said senior Abe Castillo. “It was a cool experience to discuss pressing issues.”
A global perspective is very important to our community and we emphasize it as a key element of success. As our students worked with peers from other schools, learning about real-world problems like the refugee displacement crisis in places including Sudan and the Philippines and creating hypothetical solutions, they grew their understanding of the developing world.
Students and faculty alike anticipate springtime, dreaming of the day our hands are free from the webs of winter coats. Every ray of sunshine melts the snow and every day that goes by is a day closer to warmer weather. The best way to keep warm seems to be to keep busy, and we are doing just that!