News
2009
February 13, 2009 -
Inspiration
I was presenting at a meeting recently and one of the attendees made a comment about the current state of affairs and how difficult it is to do anything and how people are discouraged. Others mentioned how busy they were and how they didn’t have time to add new tasks to their list.
I disagree.
Yes, times are tough. There’s no getting around that. Regardless, I’m a positive person who sees the glass ½ full. There are countless stories across our great nation that define positive good work and offer inspiration, and the National Scenic Byways Program has so many of those stories. I believe if you or your community really want something, whatever it is, that if you define it and make it meaningful, there is no limit to your success and achievements. You have the power to rearrange your priorities to fit the vision, whether it’s your personal vision or your community’s vision.
Here’s an inspiring story. It’s not related to the byway program, but if you have a story that offers a bright light and inspires others, please send it to me. I’ll post your stories.
Picture a small town, population 27,000. The major employers are either across the bridge in Duluth or an oil refinery. There are several fine elementary schools in town; one is Great Lakes Elementary School with 450 students. They have a fundraiser in January to supplement individual classroom budgets for field trips and study materials. Guess what they sell…
Candy? Pizza? Toys?
Nope! They sell their knowledge. Each student receives 100 questions geared to their grade level about things they should know. Kindergarteners are asked about nursery rhymes and ABCs, fourth graders should know important facts about the history of Wisconsin, fifth graders need to know about division and US history. Students practice the questions, get donations or pledges for correct answers and then are quizzed by community volunteers. Now guess how much money these kids earned?
$1,000? $4,000? $7,000?
The students raised $11,436.04. Local business donated services and cash for about $2,000. And don’t forget the support provided by parents, teachers, aides, and community volunteers.
The really inspiring part? These kids worked hard because they really cared about doing a good job to make their school a better place to be.
That’s inspiration.
