An education beyond school walls

I have been a Student Council adviser for all 15 years of my teaching career. In my darkest moments, my contact with Student Council members has been the only thing that kept me in the teaching profession. Along with my students, one organization has most profoundly assisted me as an adviser, Michigan Association of Student Council/Honor Societies. Through this wonderful organization, I have met many dedicated adults and students, all striving to make their schools better places. The conferences offered by MASC/MAHS gave my students the necessary training to be better organizers, better leaders. Given that I teach full time, I never have time to train my kids they way these conferences do.

For the first few years of my career, it seems that we always had money to send students to all conferences, including the expensive State Conference in Traverse City. Hamtramck High School's Student Council was even climbing into the well-recognized status. We hosted conferences, we presented at conferences, we won awards. Then, the money dried up and I became a mom and my time dried up. Needless to say, both Student Council and I have suffered from some serious doldrums lately.

This year has been different. I have a group of amazing seniors, in particular my Executive Board. I love them like they are my own daughters. They are driven, creative, and smart young ladies. Earlier in the year, they devised a plan to raise money for both us and a charity. They made buttons and called them "A-wear-ness" buttons. I won't go into all the details, but it was a rip roaring success.

These wonderful young women decided to present this idea at the MASC/MAHS Regional Connect Conference we attended today. Presentations from the eight regional conferences would be chosen to present at the state conference. Unsurprising to me, my girls were invited to present at States. The other students who went (a grand total of ten) also want to go because they caught that Leadership Beat. Not counting transportation, I now need to insure that we raise $2500 by March 25th.

Okay friends, both virtual and real - I need your help. I am tired of not taking my kids on these trips. I am tired of missed opportunities. I want a little cushion (who doesn't, right). If you feel so inclined, please help us hit this monetary goal. Yes, we plan on collecting as many cans as we can between now and then. We plan on hitting Hamtramck businesses. But you can help. Five dollars, ten dollars, any amount you can afford would be greatly appreciated.

Leave a comment here, and we can figure out how your donation can get to us. Or leave me a message at FB. My real identity is not stealthily hidden. The kids and I would greatly appreciate it.