Few people raise their hands to accept this challenge- taking time to teach at-risk middle-school students. And while many express interest or provide financial support, it takes a true leader, like my staff and I do at Louise A. Spencer, to conquer it by “getting their hands dirty” and teaching students.
The students at Louise A. Spencer have had opportunities to work with outstanding individuals and volunteers from around the state. Citizen Schools not only inspires students to think and learn, but touches the lives of every student at Louise A. Spencer School for the better. I think of my 8th graders who made a documentary of violence in their communities, or my students that enacted a mock trail to show the community the legal proccess. These examples are just the beginning of countless moments that occurred during the Fall 2011 Semester.
The commitment and dedication that Citizen Schools demonstrates reminds me of my favorite quote from George Bernard Shaw. He explains that “Life is no ‘brief candle’ for me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment, and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.” I know that each of my staff members are doing just that- passing on the torch to our future leaders.
Please take a moment and donate so that we can continue to support the growth of these middle-school students. Every dollar contributed means another field trip, special snack for perfect attendance, or supplies for our hands-on apprenticeships.
Thanks for allowing us to change these students’ lives for the better.