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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
I work with high risk students and besides helping them with academics it also entails emotional and social development.At times, I've been involved with projects to showcase their art to the community. Our students are required to help out in the community and school in at least 3 events. As I've been more involved with the school and my sanctuary, magic has been put on the back burner for a while. Still, it's magical.
Term end is coming up and many of our students have made great strides - completion towards graduation. Students who may have been bullied at other schools, struggled with drugs or come from homes where their parents have, attend this school. Many are involved in fundraising for causes or clean up parks. We often feed,clothe students, assist with job applications and give bus passes to help out. We have fresh fruit/veggies which farmers donate and the fire department visits with large cases of soups/juices, hot cereal and granola bars. Some of the students have volunteered at toy drives or the food bureau to help out younger kids in the community. They receive but give back as well. Many adults don't have the stresses or lives these students are subjected to on a daily bases. Yet, they show up and despite the odds many have gone on to succeed in life. This week we're hosting a huge event with food, certificates are being handed out and distinguished members of the board and community are attending. The administrator decided at the last min to have something humorous.(Last min means 5 days notice) Egads ..probably like last time when I had one day's notice to put on a full talent show as those responsible for organizing it only had 1 person booked and no microphone. The hall was booked and people invited so it was too late to back out. I was not involved initially in the organization of that event at all. I did offer my help but the administrator wanted some students to do it. As a performer, I would never have an event scheduled of this magnitude and organized it at the last min. I was stuck as this person is my boss and asked me to take over with 24 hrs notice. I know the students and those who have/had aspirations of performing so I did ask but with no pressure as it was up to them. With will power it was pulled off. Students who had never before been in front of an audience sang or performed better than pros I've seen. They received standing ovations for their efforts and 3 have been accepted into other talent shows. I can not take credit for this at all as these amazing students were the ones to do it. I only arranged the lineup and MC'd the event. I was so proud of the 11 who despite odds all shined on the stage that night. As the expression goes there hardly was a dry eye in the house. So this week I'm scrambling to organize the game show but through irony of playing Jeopardy at the Café, at least I've had some good questions to ask!(I'll make them multiple choice or T/F. One of those little quirks in life that you can't help but smile about. |
landmark Inner circle within a triangle 5194 Posts |
As someone who also works with high risk students, and has organized talent shows too, I know what an amazing feat you've accomplished. They will remember it for the rest of their lives.
Thank you Chrystal.
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Tom Jorgenson Inner circle LOOSE ANGLES, CALIFORNIA 4451 Posts |
Via Con Dios, Chrystal!
We dance an invisible dance to music they cannot hear.
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arthur stead Inner circle When I played soccer, I hit 1773 Posts |
Wonderful Chrystal! Thanks for sharing this story.
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Thanks and glad you enjoyed the story! The students deserve all the accolades as they pulled through and strive to make their lives better. I do believe in magic!
Landmark, I hadn't realized you worked with high risk students - good on you! I still am a little in awe that I've been playing Jeopardy and out of the blue the administrator asked me to organize a game show this upcoming week! How ironic! |
Devious Inner circle 2120 Posts |
Pretty cool and a fun moment of "Synch".
Thanks for sharing a small piece of your life here with us. |
Pakar Ilusi Inner circle 5777 Posts |
"Dreams aren't a matter of Chance but a matter of Choice." -DC-
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Chrystal Inner circle Canada/France 1552 Posts |
Thank you Devious and Pakar.
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Magnus Eisengrim Inner circle Sulla placed heads on 1053 Posts |
Great stuff Chrystal. Looking forward to the reviews!
The blood-dimmed tide is loosed, and everywhere
The ceremony of innocence is drowned; The best lack all conviction, while the worst Are full of passionate intensity.--Yeats |
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