Have You Got IT?
At a recent Builders Club meeting, our students were making signs for an assembly. What was formally called award ceremonies are now called PRIDE assemblies. They were making large pride signs. Our faculty advisor is a English and creative writing teacher. Her walls are filled with inspiring sayings and quotes. As I walked around the room observing the colorful and creative sign making, I saw a poster on the wall about pride.
As I began to reflect on this word and the focus of this middle school to instill pride in student accomplishments, I thought about my personal life. I thought about my two grand boys we have taken custody of and the pride I see in their new daily discoveries. I thought about the pride I experienced when my granddaughter received a volleyball scholarship and was named player of the week several times. I thought about graduations and a host of family related achievements I witnessed in 2009. There is something about this word pride.
Grandparents know it best. When you bring up the topic of children, any grandparent will reach for their purse or wallet and pull out a picture of their pride. Their refrigerators and walls are decorated with family photos and reminders of special events.
As I looked down at my Kiwanis advisor pin and reflected as to why I was there, the answer was easy for me -- I am proud to be a Kiwanian. I am proud to be associated with an organization whose members give so much to help make a difference for others. An organization full of servant leaders who put their personal needs aside to help others.
The poster on the classroom wall spelled it out:
- Persistent: the key to our service and growth
- Respect: treating people fairly does not necessarily mean the same
- Integrity: always being able to look into the mirror and like what you see
- Determination: don't give up, don't ever give up
- Excellence: try to excel in all you do
When Kiwanians are proud of their club, proud of their accomplishments in the community, and proud to wear the K, they will share their Kiwanis stories and invite others to join. Then, we will grow in members and service.
Have you got it?
Sylvester Neal
Kiwanis International President Elect