There was a definite roar in the crowd this week when St. Paul students celebrated National Lutheran Schools Week. What really revved up the students was an appearance by motocross champion Shae Bentley and his motorcycle during a special assembly to “kick start” the week’s activities.

The 26 year-old Bentley, also known as “The Outlaw,” began riding motorcycles at the age of four and started competing in the motocross world when he was only eight. In addition to his professional racing career, he has also appeared in television programs and films, including the “Charlie’s Angels” movie. Bentley told the St. Paul students that it was his Christian faith that has sustained him throughout the ups and downs of his life.

“I never know what might happen to me when I put on my helmet and start down a track,” said Bentley. “But I do know that God is there with me every time, no matter what happens or what the outcome might be.”

During his years of racing, Bentley has suffered a number of serious injuries and said he didn’t know where he would be today if he hadn’t put his faith and trust in God. He encouraged students to pray, read their Bibles and treat one another with kindness in order to live good and productive lives.

Bentley’s appearance was one of several activities scheduled at St. Paul during National Lutheran Schools Week, held March 5 - 11. Other highlights included a special “Buddy day,” “Act of Kindness day” and “Feel the Music day,” in addition to the school’s annual Grandparents’ day.

National Lutheran Schools Week is observed annually by the 2,526 Lutheran schools located across the nation. These schools include early childhood centers as well as elementary and high schools. Lutheran schools have operated in the U.S. since 1640, and today serve more than 288,000 children.

St. Paul Lutheran School in Peachtree City opened in September 1997. Today, the school includes an enrollment of 252 students, with classes ranging from Mother’s Morning Out and preschool through eighth grades. Approximately two-thirds of the school’s students are non-Lutheran and represent Catholic and numerous Protestant backgrounds. According to its mission statement, St. Paul Lutheran School is dedicated to developing each child’s God-given abilities through excellent academic and religious instruction in a safe, clean and loving environment.

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