Today, a group of student leaders went with Ms. Fotos and Ms. Abbott to a leadership conference at the Hanover Theater.  The keynote speaker was a gentleman named Mike Smith from South Dakota.

Mike's message was about about finding your passion and making a difference in your school and in the world.  Mike talked about how sometimes students can feel "invisible" and it is everyone's job to make everyone feel connected and accepted.  We are one community and a family who need to make sure that all members of the community feel loved, supported and accepted.  Mike started an organization called "Skate for Change" where he and his supporters collected and donated socks for the homeless which became a world wide phenomenon.  Our students learned from Mike that everyone person can make a difference.

There is more to being in school then getting good grades, but you also have to make an impact and make people's lives better.  This is what service learning is all about and Mike exemplifies that so well.  I am proud of our students and staff who attended this great workshop today.

Special thanks to grade 10 student Katie Dagle who shared her impressions of the day with me and talked about how great the experience was.  We look forward to spreading Mike's message at our school throughout the coming weeks and months.