Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, May 13, 2011

Ben Henault, William Arnold, Kasey Fields and Hope Bennett have learned a lot about themselves through the spring leadership projects. (Photo: Tammy L. Lane)

For a group of SCAPA at Bluegrass fifth-graders, the spring semester is all about maximizing their strengths, focusing their passion and making a difference.

Melanie Stivers, a gifted and talented resource teacher, simply challenges her leadership students to think of a way to change the world for the better and put it into action.

“They do some incredible things. Students often amaze us and even amaze themselves with this project,” she said.

The assignment idea came from the 2000 movie “Pay It Forward,” which promotes favors over payback. In preparation, her youngsters list the things they’re good at or receive compliments for; then they decide on a purpose or cause such as animal rights or social justice. Finally, they identify the problems and plan a strategy for improvement.

“The intersection of these three, this is where your project lies. Everyone chooses according to their strengths and abilities and interests. They have to figure out what will work for their budget and schedule and passion,” Stivers said. “Some students decide on very complex projects, considering they are 10 years old. Others do things on a bit smaller scale but nonetheless important.” 

This year, for example, one child created a campaign to educate SCAPA students and faculty about environmentally responsible battery disposal. Another girl, who studied in the Spanish immersion program at Maxwell Elementary, goes to the Village branch of the public library each week to tutor neighborhood children in English. Meanwhile, a classmate crafted origami animals with encouraging messages, and put a basketful in the hospital emergency room where her parents work.

“You change the world starting with yourself, and a small thing can make a big impact,” Stivers said.

Concert goes to the dogs

Classmates William Arnold and Ben Henault, who between them play the piano, violin and drums, opted for a concert to raise money for the Woodford Humane Society. Both boys love animals, and Ben’s sister volunteers there.

Their “Allegro for Animals” was a huge hit with the picnicking crowd at Equus Run Vineyards’ “Springtime in a Bottle” evening.

“I went out to support the boys and was very impressed with their planning, organization, music, performance, everything!” Stivers said.

William and Ben had practiced diligently to prepare some 20 songs for the one-hour set. They were so encouraged by the response – in applause and donations – they plan to do more benefits.

“It was a good experience. I’d never thought about organizing a concert. It’s harder than you think,” said William, whose family adopted a dog at the April event.

“It feels good to help out,” Ben added.

Music mentors lend an ear

For Hope Bennett, who wants to be a teacher and band director some day, this project was a great opportunity to test the waters as a music mentor and reach out to younger peers.

She recruited a team of five responsible fifth-graders from the band and orchestra ranks, and once a week they welcome fourth-graders seeking assistance on horns and strings.

 “We help them improve and advance their practice skills on their instruments,” she explained. “We teach them techniques that would make it easier and more fun.”

Runners converge for soles

Kasey Fields didn’t fancy herself an event planner, but here she was coordinating a communitywide 5K fun run/walk called Running 4 the Sole. The entry fee? A pair of new or gently worn shoes for Soles4Souls, which distributes them in poor countries and disaster-struck areas.

Kasey, who runs as part of her swim training, secured the 5K site, rallied corporate sponsors, advertised through Facebook and friends of friends, and lined up race-day volunteers.

“I’m like three different people. I have to do my homework, I have swim practice, and I’m a mini businesswoman,” she said. After this, “pretty much nothing’s going to seem impossible.”