Great Story on CNN and Many Other Sites Right Now: From Homeless to Harvard

    Stories like this one that I just read on CNN.com right now always make me proud to be in education and help me understand how important educators are in a young person's life. But even more than that, how important any adult influences can be in a young person's life. This girl lived and survived through many difficult issues and events in her life. And despite those obstacles, or maybe even because of them, she will soon be enrolled at Harvard University and likely on to even bigger and better things. And just a year ago, she was homeless. Take a free 10 minutes in the next few days to read this article (a little long, but well worth it) and realize that we have students and young people like this girl in our community who need our support, guidance, or friendly and loving spirit. Even during the summer. And I hope your summers are going well!

From Homeless to Harvard click here!

Duck Derby to Benefit the Youth Emergency Shelter and Services of Iowa on May 5th

 

 I haven't done this before, but I think our family will be doing this event this year. The event is completely free family fun, but if you want a duck in the derby, it costs you a $5 donation. The good news is that the donation goes to a great cause: YESS (Youth Emergency Shelter and Services of Iowa). This organization helps kids and families when they are in times of  uncertainty or crisis. They take kids in on a short term basis and work with kids and parents to work through the crisis. I have known several families to use this service and it has helped them when they needed it most. So, if you are looking to donate, there is plenty of time to buy your ducks (and you could win amazing prizes if your duck is a lucky duck and wins!). But if you simply want good family fun on a wonderful May afternoon, come on our to Jordan Creek on May 5th for inflatables, balloon animals, crafts, food, etc. See you there!

Info about the Duck Derby click here!

Duck Derby Facebook Page click here!

Click here to learn more about what YESS does!