July 18, 2024 -
August 9, 2024
North Carolina Governor's Page Service Project (25 hours)
Local Service, Global Impact
SKILLS DEVELOPED
Collaboration, Communication, Problem solving, Civic literacy and citizenship, Leadership
SUMMARY
Reflection
Immediately following the page week, I started an initiative to help a local school in need for basic supplies for their students. I selected Mineral Springs Elementary School, a local WSFCS school where 99% of the students are from low income homes. The school counselor, Lucy Gordon, shared their highest needs. I set up an Amazon wish list and created a social media campaign to request support for the initiative. During the two-week period, I was able to collect $3,100 in school supplies, PE equipment, technology equipment (headphones) and art supplies. I delivered the items to MSES on Friday, August 9 so the items could be put into immediate use when school begins on Monday, August 12. The school principal, Marquita Johnson, and MSES staff were overwhelmed by the large amount of donations. Originally, the goal had been to collect 50 headphones and 10 backpacks. Not only did I deliver 250 headphones and 36 backpacks, I was able to deliver 27 boxes of items needed by the school. This whole experience gave me greater appreciation for the impact I can have on others. I was able to utilize my social media presence to fulfill a huge need in my community. In addition, I gained greater perspective on how large the needs are right in my own backyard. It makes me want to do more to impact my community. While at MSES making the delivery, I made a personal commitment to continue to work with the school and serve as a reading buddy for students who may need additional support. This experience has helped me grow as a person and helped me realize the impact I can have on my community even at 17 years old.
Project Impact
By organizing a community-driven initiative, I collected over $3,100 in school supplies for a Title I school where 99% of students come from low-income households, and 57% are learning English as a second language. These supplies will be immediately used as the school year begins, helping to ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed academically, despite economic challenges. This initiative not only supported educational equity but also fostered a sense of community involvement and commitment to the success of all students.
PROJECTS TASKS
Page Week
10.00 hours participating in an awareness event | Connectedness
We learned about the departments that the state runs. We learned how to get a job through connections and LinkedIn. Finally we met the governor of the state and talked to him about questions we needed answered
Project Planning
3.00 hours leading an initiative | Compassion
Organize an initiative to help Mineral Springs Elementary School in Winston-Salem. MSES has a student population whereby 57% of students are learning English as a second language and 99% of students come from low income homes. Over 70% of the school’s teachers have less than 5 years of teaching experience so the needs at this school are great. Once I identified a school in need, I contacted the school to ask permission to host a benefit on their behalf. I interviewed school administrators and the guidance counselor to determine the highest needs. Once I understood the school’s immediate needs, I created an Amazon wishlist to solicit donations and developed a social media campaign to create awareness for the initiative.
Do the Project
11.00 hours leading an initiative | Compassion
The goal of this initiative is to collect school supplies, art supplies, backpacks, cleaning supplies, PE equipment and student headphones for Mineral Springs Elementary School. The school stated their greatest need was to receive headphones for the students to use. We set a goal of 50 headphones; they will receive 250 headphones based on donations, exceeding our goal by 500%!! In total, the initiative resulted in a total of $3,024.64 in goods collected for Mineral Springs Elementary School. I will provide a full inventory of all items collected before taking the donations to the school.
Project Outcomes & Reflection
1.50 hours leading an initiative | Compassion
Delivered the school supplies, art supplies, technology equipment and PE equipment to Mineral Springs Elementary School. We far exceeded the goals set for the initiative, and the school was overwhelmed with the amount of items collected. The items will have an immediate impact as the school is extremely underfunded and serve students who do not have the means to provide the needed materials.
Education
Aid/Relief
Hunger & Homelessness
