We are thrilled to announce that our very own Kristi Burke has completed her coursework to become a ‘Sensory Safe Stylist’ here at Stewart Home & School.

Kristi is our cosmetologist and has recently completed a course designed to provide an elevated learning experience to industry professionals eager to meet the needs of guests with autism or sensory processing differences.

The curriculum for the course includes numerous tools and systems, creating trust not trauma, behind the chair.

Congratulations, Kristi!

A Day at the Theater!

On Sunday, March 2nd, Theatre Arts teacher Chase Clark took the Principal Cast to see the Addams Family Musical at the Lexington Opera House in preparation for their next SHS production. A good time was had by all!

Below are a few pictures from the event!

On Friday, February 21st we had a magnificent experience in which some of our SHS students performed at the halftime show of a Western Hills basketball game. They had an incredible time, as you can see in the photos! We love seeing our students shine at Stewart Home & School!

This performance was so heartwarming! Check out our talented ASL students signing to O Holy Night by Adolphe Adam.

The 2024 Mr. and Miss Stewart Home & School Pageant was an unforgettable experience! The entire afternoon was filled with excitement and joy as students showcased their unique personalities and talents on stage. The energy in the room was infectious, with families, friends, and staff cheering on every contestant. Each participant brought their own style and flair, creating a show that truly celebrated individuality and confidence. This pageant was about much more than just winning. It was an afternoon of laughter, applause, and proud smiles, leaving everyone feeling inspired and connected. Check out the full video below, as well as a link to the Facebook album!

Congratulations to our winners!

Mr. Glamour – Peter, Miss Divine – Gianna, Miss Joyous – Caroline, Miss Glorious – Sophia, Miss Kindness – Michelle E., Miss Rising Star – Shelby, Miss Radiant – Lindsay, Mr. Fantastic – Walker, Miss Fantastic – Shannon, Mr. Cheerful – Riley, Miss Cheerful – Abby, Mr. 110% – David, Miss 110% – Erica, Mr. Fabulous – Matt, Miss Fabulous – Kayla, Mr. Sweetheart – Vijay, Miss Sweetheart – Ella, Mr. Hollywood – Ben, Miss Hollywood – Susie, Mr. Broadway – Luke S. , Miss Broadway – Alison, Mr. Helpful – Austin, Miss Helpful – Jennifer, Mr. Shining Star – Luke F., Miss Shining Star – Tina, Mr. Enthusiastic – Aris, Miss Enthusiastic – Heather, Mr. Royalty – Victor, Miss Royalty – Peggy, Prince – Josh, Princess – Michelle S., Mr. SHS – Andy, Miss SHS – Amanda

Facebook Link with all photos:

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14ZD7XbQRH

By: Krista Lumpkins

It is an honor to get to get to write this month’s spotlight…

Joshua “Josh” Lumpkins was hired in June 2021 by Machele Lawless as a summer staff assisting with the Residential Department.  Most will recognize him more from this past summer, though. As the summer intern for Myles Young and Michael Uber, he was a regular face about campus, whether it be behind the camera shooting candid photos of the summer activities or assisting with setting up televisions and troubleshooting mobile device issues for our residents, he was friendly and engaging with all he worked around. “Josh was an incredible asset to the Media/Marketing Department this summer. His work ethic, creativity, and passion for storytelling truly shined throughout his internship. It’s been a pleasure to mentor him, and I have no doubt that his future in marketing holds great promise.” – Myles Young

Josh graduated from Western Hills in 2022, and is currently a junior at UK. He is majoring in business administration and marketing, and plans to graduate in the summer of 2026.  He lives in an apartment in Lexington with three of his high school classmates, and attends his classes online and in the classroom.  When asked what he was famous for, he said he guessed playing soccer.  (He is pretty humble, but his smile is breathtaking too.)  In his free time, he enjoys tailgating and socializing with his friends, playing pickleball, golf, soccer, and video games.

Josh’s Faves

Restaurant: Longhorns

Meal: Steak and Baked Potato

Sports Team: Chelsea FC

Movie: 1917

Season: Spring

Vacation Spot: Destin FL

Drink: Ale-8

When asked about what he enjoyed most about his job here, he said he loved learning about the residents and talking to them daily.  His best memory was of this past summer when he helped Rob catch a huge fish.  To incoming employees, Josh offered…‘to be patient and try to learn the most you can from the residents and how they think/communicate so you can be as helpful as possible.’

Working in the Residential Department at Stewart Home & School is a unique and rewarding experience, filled with both challenges and deeply meaningful moments. Houseparents makeup the majority of the department as they play a crucial role in nurturing a home-like environment for students, offering stability, care, and personal attention to help them thrive.

A typical day for a houseparent begins early. After getting the students up and ready for the day, houseparents help them with personal care routines, which might include assistance with dressing, hygiene, and organizing materials for school. Some students may need more guidance, while others are more independent, so patience, empathy, and an ability to adapt to each student’s needs are essential. Woodland houseparent, Becky Marstella, said she looks forward to seeing the beautiful faces of not only her Woodland girls, but all students on campus. “Every day is different and I get to be a part of the student’s life and make it run as smoothly as it possibly can!”

One of the most important roles in the Residential Department is creating a sense of family and belonging within the residence. Stewart Home & School students live in resident halls, and houseparents are key figures in maintaining the structure and warmth of these living environments. They are often seen as parental figures, providing emotional support, resolving conflicts, and celebrating the achievements and milestones of the students. Mealtime is a special time where houseparents encourage social interaction, assist students in practicing table manners, and foster conversation.

The emotional rewards of being a houseparent are immense. Residential employee, Debra Atzinger said she pursued a career as a SH&S houseparent because she wanted to “give back, to serve, and to extend hope, love, and kindness.”

Manager of Residential services, Tammy Blau, said that students have taught her what “unconditional love and acceptance is.” In her 40 year career at Stewart Home, she has watched students grow in confidence, overcome obstacles, and be happy in all they do.

Houseparents at Stewart Home often speak of the profound impact the role has on their own lives. Being a caregiver and mentor to students with intellectual disabilities offers deep personal growth and a unique perspective on the value of patience, kindness, and perseverance. In the end, the positions in the Residential Department are ones of love, dedication, and immense satisfaction. While they demand resilience and emotional strength, they offer the unmatched reward of knowing that you’ve made a significant difference in others’ lives.

Thank you Residential Department for all you do!

Good and Gracious God,

We come before you today with hearts full of gratitude for the long-standing friendship enjoyed between the Stewart home and Christ the King. We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this community and share in faith, Hope, and love.

We asked for your blessings upon all who live learn and work at the Stewart Home and all those who contribute to its mission. May they continue to find joy and element in their education and work, and may their efforts be rewarded with growth, progress, and achievements. 

May the Stewart Home continued be a place of inspiration, were dreams are nurtured, talents are discovered, and people are loved. May it continue to be a place where diversity is celebrated, and everyone feels valued, respected, and made in Your image and likeness.

Finally, we asked for your blessings upon our visit. May our time together be filled with joy, laughter, meaningful connections, and a greater understanding of one another. Maybe we leave here with a sense of purpose, and a commitment to seeing the light of Christ in others and being that light ourselves. 

We offer this prayer in humble Thanksgiving.

Amen.

How do you extend that Christmas feeling for 365 days of the year? Easy, add Michael Uber to your staff! Much like the Miracle on 34^th Street, where Santa unabashedly says he is Santa Claus, Michael claims to be Santa, too. We all know that he works miracles with IT equipment for staff, allowing them to accomplish their daily computerized tasks, and for students, allowing them secure access for their enjoyment and communication with their family and friends. For this, we say THANK YOU, SANTA!! Others outside of SHS call him Santa, too. Specifically, he has been on National Television, a local television commercial for Commonwealth Credit Union, Light Up La Grange, Pewee Valley’s Yule Log, Light Up Campbellsburg, as well as other public, private, and family events just to name a few.

Michael joined Stewart Home & School in 2021. He made an immediate impact with his Santa-like appearance and his welcoming demeanor, which is a natural draw for students.

· What do you enjoy about your job? It is different every day.  When I come in each day there are new challenges.  I would get bored pretty quickly if I had to do the same thing every day.

· What brought you to SHS? A Santa customer of mine, and a former contractor at SHS, referred me to the school.  He knew I was looking for another position and also knew of my love for people so he thought the position would be a great fit.

· Best memory of years at SHS? It is very hard to get it down to one memory – there are so many moments when you help a student with technology – the smile on their face as you hand back their device or show them their television is working again.  It is priceless. I love the fist bumps and hugs every day.   Another great memory is the way the staff is so patient with outages.  Everyone knows I am doing my best and gives me grace when I most need it.  That never happens in the corporate world.

· What is something that is constant in your opinion here? The passion of the staff to provide our students with the best of everything.

· Do you have any collections? I have three Christmas trees up year round and I collect themed ornaments for them.  I have a Santa Tree, a Snowman Tree and a Snowflake Tree.  I would love to have a Mrs. Claus Tree but Mrs. Claus ornaments (good ones at least) are hard to find.

What words of advice would you offer to our new incoming employees? You have to love people, and recognize that every student here is a child of God and has worth.  Once you recognize that the rest falls into place.  Oh, and it’s a lot of work, but worth it.

If you get the chance, visit his office, where even in the midst of summer’s oppressive heat you might hear him singing, “Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow”.

Michael, clearly you are Santa and we are blessed to have you!!

               -Stephen Randolph