Showing Up When We’re Asked
When it comes to Springfield High School, there are a few things that I know. This community appreciates our staff and students, and, I truly hope the community in turn is well aware of how much our staff and students appreciate the ever-present support derived from both the investment from neighbors and businesses throughout the area in education and from seeing fans in the stands/audiences. Prior to the pandemic, my fellow SHS principals and I devoted considerable space in our columns to demonstrating the many ways that SHS invests back–through service. I am pleased to share that our deliberate efforts to serve have returned, in force–not because service is required for a grade or passage of a class. Rather, because for most of us, serving others is as required as the air that we breathe. It is our culture, our “why.” So, this week, I’d like to share about two efforts that just took place: On Friday, October 28, the Chick-fil-A Leader Academy (CFALA) joined with the Business Professionals of America (BPA) to pack books as part of the CFALA initiative the “Million Book Giveaway.” This year, the academy is celebrating its 10th anniversary by extending its reach through the book giveaway, a service project focused on advocating for literacy for underserved youth across the country. The academy is partnering with the publisher responsible for the Kid’s Meal books at Chick-fil-A restaurants to make this a reality.
More than 1,000 participating schools and 30,000 students nationwide are teaming up to distribute the books to elementary- aged students within their school district, children’s hospitals, local charities and more. Students also will have the opportunity to connect with the recipients of the books by writing notes of encouragement, and in some cases, getting to read the donated books to them.
Participating CFALA students practice servant leadership, learn the value of teamwork, take part in innovation and develop meaningful communication skills necessary to impact those around them. Chick-fil-A restaurant operators partner with local high schools to help teachers develop the next generation of leaders. The seven month long curriculum equips students with the necessary skills to make an impact in their communities through service projects. Participants in the student-led, student-run organization get the chance to be in charge and facilitate their own ways to give back. SHS had 15 students who stayed after school to help pack books in preparation of donation. Then on Saturday, several students responded to a call for help from Stone Oak Country Club to assist with the crafts during their annual family Halloween party. The pictures say so much more than I could ever write. They showed-up, because they were asked. I am sure that there were a lot of events and activities vying for their time and attention. They are, afterall, kids. However, just because someone reached out, our students were there–some even chose to dress-up. The organizers were thrilled, the little ones beyond excited, and me, their principal– suffice it to say that it reminded me of why I do what I do and love every minute of it. I said it before and it will never get old–THIS is #springfieldstrong.
