Sister LaKesha Church recently graduated from Mount St. Joseph University with a master’s degree in early childhood education. The degree prepares her to teach prekindergarten through grade 5.
Soon, Sister LaKesha will embark on a new chapter as she moves across the country to teach fourth grade at St. Adelaide Academy in Highland, California. She will be living in community in Redlands with Precious Blood Sisters Mary Faye Hellman and Margo Young and Sister of the Guardian Angel Hortensia del Villar.
Sister LaKesha said that she appreciated being able to take many of her master’s degree courses online. “Not only did it keep everyone safe [during COVID], but it was time-efficient and allowed everyone to stay on track,” she said.
Originally from Lorain, Ohio, Sister LaKesha professed first vows with the Sisters of the Precious Blood in 2018. Since that time, she has taught religion at Mother Brunner Catholic School and St. Benedict the Moor Catholic School in Dayton.
She also holds a degree in health care management and served with the Peace Corps in Botswana as a community liaison in the office of the district AIDS coordinator.
Now, as she moves on to St. Adelaide Academy, she said, “As we know, the Precious Blood of Jesus is life-giving, and so I hope to be that life-giving presence to my Sisters and new colleagues in California.”
Sister LaKesha said there’s one more thing she’s looking forward to in California: “No snow!”
Top, Sister LaKesha with her diploma; bottom, from left, Sister Margo Young, Sister Anna Maria Sanders, Sister Karen Elliott, LaKesha’s mother, Sister LaKesha, Sister Juliana Wuur, Sister Beverly Bodnar, Pauline Siesegh, Sister Marla Gipson; contributed photos.