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Enjoying the school year, doing good things for others
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Published: June 14, 2009
"While we try to teach our children all about life,
Our children teach us what life is all about."
-- Angela Schwindt
I have a few young, very young, friends and acquaintances. Some are pre-K, a few are in kindergarten and others are in elementary school. We have met by chance, at other times in school rooms where I've read books to them, while out eating and through family and friends.
One of those acquaintances is Jordan Hayes, a 7-year-old first-grader and niece of a friend, Sybil Boyd. I shared her entrepreneurial spirit in a column last year ("A determined 6-year-old meets goal, inspires others," August 24), as she was focused on raising money for a planned trip to the beach.
Jordan can talk. And, as I found out recently, she can also sell. So, if you see her coming with a product in hand, get your wallet out. Once she fixes her sight on something, she focuses and moves forward. She is not easily distracted.
So imagine my surprise a few weeks ago. I received an unexpected e-mail from a reader (ML), inquiring about Jordan. "I was remembering the column you wrote ... and was thinking that it may be about time for the trip to Walt Disney World," she wrote, wondering if an update was in the works. "Just a thought," she continued.
The seed was now planted in my mind. Ironically, I had talked to Sybil a few days before. ML's short message was a nice little nudge to get the scoop on Jordan's activities.
"Jordan has been busy with the typical end-of-school year activities!" Sybil shared. A first-grader at Konnoak Elementary School, Jordan recently participated in its field-day activities. "Jordan was in the middle of all the fun," Sybil's update continued, which included sack races, basketball toss and water stations. She loves the races -- they make her giggle more than the other activities -- and the eating, says Sybil.
She says that Jordan has enjoyed the school year, making the school news by landing on the "Principal's List" during the year. I was a little concerned about that at first, but it's a good thing. Actually, the correct term is "the Principal's Lunch Club." According to the principal, Jay Jones, students are nominated by teachers for a variety of reasons, including good grades, good conduct and good attendance. And the club benefits include eating lunch with and talking to the principal.
Jordan has also accumulated a few awards this school year, like the best character, best behavior and math award. But she is most proud of another club she wanted to make sure I knew about -- the C.A.R.E. Club. According to Jones, it promotes positive behavior. Jordan says they do good things for others. That is part of her DNA, I believe, as she has also been involved in activities that are money makers for the school (i.e., Box Tops for Education, The Heart Association's jump-rope charity, the cookie and candle promotions). She is a kind person who likes to help others.
In addition to all the positive things happening at school, Jordan, and her little brother, 5-year-old Isaiah, are working on making some money for their annual beach trip. Having a little spending change of your own is a plus. I understand that the beach trip has been the topic of conversation at every family gathering since the last Christmas gift was opened!
The two of them often get the dreaded "sigh" from the whole gang when they talk about the beach. "It's as if something flashes in their minds ... and, without warning, there's sand coming out of your shoes!!" says Sybil.
Although they aren't going to Walt Disney World this year, Jordan and her sidekick, Isaiah, have been busy collecting cans to finance their beach trip. She hasn't missed a beat from last year. "It's just plain awesome to see them get so excited about collecting them," says Sybil. Norris, her husband, (aka Uncle Nor Nor) may need an 18-wheeler to get the cans to the recycler. It looks like Jordan has exceeded what she did last year, and she has a few months to spare.
It has been a good year for Jordan; she is quite excited about her move to second grade. But, "what she looks forward to most, is SUMMER. And that means, ‘BEACH TRIP,' " says Sybil.
Well, she is about to reap the rewards of her positive behavior, doing good for others and working for what she wants. She knows how to win friends and influence people. Isaiah has a great role model.
■ Nigel Alston is a Dale Carnegie trainer and motivational speaker who lives in Winston-Salem. He can be reached at nalston1@triad.rr.com.
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