Making an impact: Group graduates from Student Impact Program
The Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce celebrated another season of the Student Impact Program on May 13. Students from the Morgan County area graduated from the program and showed off their service project to family and the community. The teens have worked hard since January on their impact service programs and were eager to share their experiences.
The evening began with Greg Screws, news anchor for WHNT News 19, giving the commencement speech and the students accepting their diplomas. They then presented their projects, before ending the event with special awards.
Rocky Smith explained the program is designed to teach students in three parts. The first is awareness of relationships within governments and communities. The second is a better awareness of themselves and others and how to build those leadership skills. The final step is to use those acquired skills to create an impact project “that can lead to a meaningful change in the community.”
The 24 students made up seven groups, who all presented projects. The impact projects included groups called “Remember When” and “Aged with Grace.” “Remember When” would meet almost daily with seniors to play pickleball or play cards the Sparkman Civic Center. Their focus was activities outside the home. “Aged with Grace” focused on visiting with seniors in assisted living homes and doing arts and crafts and other activities with them.
Another group, “Sustaining the Future,” worked with Crestline Elementary students to switch from disposable lunch trays to reusable trays.
“The most valuable thing with this was the connection to the school system. And to the leaders in there. We were connected through the city government, and so we were able to grow the system and make a difference,” member Addison Faulk said. “And I think that taught us how to work with the administration; work with higher government.”
A group called “Impact Clothes Drive” worked with foster programs to give their time to events and even organized a clothing drive within their schools for foster children. They were able to get seven teachers to offer credits toward grades for those who participated in the clothing drive.
“Athlete Connect” concentrated on the hardships student athletes face, not only within their sports but academically. They created a sports’ closest at HHS for students to take from if needed and encouraged tutoring programs and mental health preventive care.
One group called “Inside Project,” targeted mental health from a peer-to-peer perspective. They set up booths at schools for the students to inform them of resources available and know they were not alone. Hailey Scott read a story of one of those students, who wished to remain anonymous. They shared their battle with suicidal thoughts and how finding a healthy friendship helped them overcome them.
The projects didn’t end in April for all the groups. The “Inside Project” says it has plans to continue their service and hopes to see the program become permanent at Hartselle High.
“Aged with Grace” plans to continue their weekly meetings at the assisted living facility. The girls spoke of the close relationships they had created with the residents. Mya Winchester said for future members, “really take it in. Make sure you’re absorbing, because it’s a lot of information.”
Chris Spicer, community engagement manager for the HACC, spoke about the benefits and activities of the program.
“From day one these students committed themselves to a journey of growth, leadership and transformation. And what a journey it has been,” Spicer said. “We began by laying the foundation focusing on interpersonal relationships and self-awareness through engaging activities and thoughtful discussion.”
Screws in his keynote address spoke about the importance of researching career choices, to network, be present and bring ideas to the table. He talked about office politics and the importance of growing from it.
“You will always work with difficult people; you will always find people who challenge your patience…You don’t just run into one person that challenges your patience and then it’s over…This goes on your whole life. It’s an opportunity. It’s an opportunity to earn someone’s respect. It’s an opportunity to learn from someone who thinks differently than you.”
“I could not be (prouder) of the dedication, growth and leadership that each of these students have shown,” Spicer added.
The following students graduated from the Impact program this year: Callie Childers, Clay Clemons, Sayer Clemons, Payton Clemons, Aubrey Cotrell, Brodie Davis, Kali DeFreez, Wesley Evans, Trae Griffin, Mollie Haskins, Maggie Beth King, Travis Kurecki, Julia LaBoudiere, Joseph LaBoudiere, Wyatt Miller, Owen Newton, Veronica Patterson, Abigail Pettus, Olivia Preuitt, Mattie Reynolds, Hailey Scott, Ilana Sheriett, Melody Sims, Mya Winchester and Anna York.
For those who are interested in participating in a future program, it runs from January to April and is high school students in Morgan County.
