b'SHOOT FOR THE STARSGracie Reeder Finds Her MissionA student in Illinois musters her courage to launch a service project for a Marianist school half a world away.By Jan D. DixonE Two years ago, Gracie Reeder, then a 13-year Moredock, who had introduced the Little Flowerleanor Roosevelt once said: Do one thing everyday that scares you. students to Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School(OLN), a Marianist school in the slums of Nairobi,old at Little Flower School, a Catholic elementary Kenya. Our Mission Club sponsors eight studentsschool in Springfield, Illinois, set a goal that often at OLN, helping them cover the costs of uniforms,terrified her, sometimes on a daily basis. People books and tuition fees. Gracie wanted to know howmake me nervous, especially strangers, she says.she could help the school. I gave her our contact But one day Gracie was nudged from her shy space information at OLN.by a big idea. As preparation for Confirmation,From there, Gracie was off and running.my school requires every eighth grader to workwith others on a service project, to step outside theirGirl on a missioncomfort zones to help others, she says.Dear Brother Joseph MarickySo began GraciesThats when Gracie went to Principal William first letter to the director of OLN in November 2019.Moredock. She had some pretty lofty goals, says Composing her email letter was scary, says Gracie.PHOTO: TARA LONGGracie Reeder stands near a display of children from Our Lady of Nazareth Primary School, a Marianist school in Nairobi, Kenya, thatstudents from Little Flower School sponsor.marianist.com/donate 11'