Here's a photo of Jami McDaniel,
Dr. Stock, and me at the Rotary Club meeting where we shared about Jami's
recent news. Jami wrote a poem when she was in my seventh grade language arts
class and it was recently published in the form of a children's book. She now
has a contract to write more children's books in this same format. Imagine --
16 & a writing contract.
Jami's an amazing person. She's impacted my life in so many ways. Because of her (and other students) I'm a better teacher. I've realized that we never know what kind of difference we're going to make in our students' lives. Jami, bless her, has given me credit for inspiring her to write. I feel a little phony taking the credit though -- I just gave her lots of positive feedback and pushed her to become better. She's the one with the motivation to pursue her dreams.
Because of Jami's initiative, the
publisher has implemented a contest for chapter books for "tweeners."
A Christian liberal arts college will be awarding $52,000 in scholarships to to
the top five winners. (The publisher has since heard from three other colleges
expressing interest in awarding scholarships). AND the teacher who inspired the
winner will also be awarded. That teacher will receive an 8 day educational
tour of Paris from Joshua Expeditions.
Cool Beans, eh? It's one of those
rare times in the life of an educator, when you hear the difference you make.
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| Vintage Slice |
