Schools
“Think you can, work hard, get smart, be kind.”
Brown Middle School students, inspired by speaker, are reminded in images and words that their actions have an impact on everyone with whom they interact.
Written by Julie Phelps
Principal,
Brown Middle School
In the fall of 2012 motivational speaker, Ed Gerety, came to Brown Middle School to meet with students. His positive message inspired the students to begin the year with four commitments, or pillars of character – Be Grateful, Be Kind, Be Respectful, and Be Positive.
Paraprofessional Clare Stone was also inspired by Ed Gerety’s message and the enthusiasm of all the students. Clare, who holds an Art Degree, created an after school mural club. Holding the students accountable to standards of real artists, each had to present a sketch for their own positive message, including a rationale for the phrase and an explanation of the design and color choice for the message. All submissions were reviewed and approved by Clare Stone and Principal Julie Phelps.
The results were not only inspiring, but stunning. Students painted their own message on each of 18 pillars in the main hallway of the school. Their messages included, Be Cheerful, Be Trustworthy, Be Responsible, Be Confident, Be colorful, Be Persevering, Be a Dreamer, Be a Leader, Be Inspirational, Be Enthusiastic, Be Yourself, Be Flexible, Be Bright, Be Ambitions, Be Brave, Be Unique, Be Creative, and Be Strong.
Once the pillars were painted, the students had one final gift. Although not originally planned to be dedicated, the students decided they wanted to dedicate their messages of inspiration to the victims of Sandy Hook Elementary School. With Clare Stone’s help, they painted one final message, in the shape of a paw print with their dedication.
The dedication included the four commitments they learned from speaker, Ed Gerety, and the school motto for Sandy Hook Elementary School, “Think you can, work hard, get smart, be kind.”
Every day as students walk through the halls of Brown School, they are reminded, through colorful and powerful images and words, that their actions have a lasting impact on everyone with whom they interact.
Students in the club Include:
Clare Aminuddin
Lindsay Booth
Lucy Brown
Jesly Diaz
Rebecca Dollahite
Jacqueline Egidio
Sophia Fedus
Violet Johnson
Annabelle Juliani
Jessica Lee
Hannah Lewis
Evie Moulin
Dylan Richmond
Ethan Richmond
Melanie Romine
Molly Sawyer
Emily Thornbury
Olivia Travisano
Sara Wohlgemuth
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