I sent two girls to the library with a list of books I needed for class. Knowing that Mrs. McFarland would most likely be busy with a class, I asked the girls if they knew how to find the books. They said they did. The girls returned with every book from the list and when I asked them if they had any trouble finding the books, they replied, “Mrs. McFarland had to help us, we would have never found them on our own!” Worried that I had caused interruption to her library class, I asked the girls if Mrs. McFarland had to leave the class she was with to help them. They said, “Oh, no! It was her lunch time! She was happy to help us!” As a teacher, I know lunch minutes are precious and few. I really appreciate you helping these girls help me during your lunch!

I received this among with 126 other students from all around the state of Maine at the Maine youth leadership seminar! I’m currently a high school junior wanting to make a difference and this story inspired me.

Mary brought a new idea to our assessment committee meeting today regarding standards-based report cards. While the idea was very good in and of itself, it was the way in which she introduced it that made me respect her. She brought data showing how the initial way was not in the best interest of the student, as well as examples of other methods to use that would be better. She was not at all hateful or sarcastic, and that really meant a lot to the administration. I feel that she helped make a difference in how our school will move forth with the standards-based grading concept, and she definitely was an important leader in our meeting today.

We were faced with a scheduling dilemma last Friday and Melissa Melton was instrumental in getting it back on track. I had to leave for a meeting and she took charge and kept working on it to ensure that all students got what they needed on our shortened days. This was no easy task, as one schedule affects many others in a school setting. I really appreciate Melissa stepping up to work on this!

Todd Quinn is a new custodian in our school. He does a fabulous job at making sure everything is clean and taken care of, however this is not why I am giving him this card. Todd is receiving this card because he takes the time to interact with the students in such a positive manner during school. He was bound and determined to make one little boy smile, and after a week in school, he did just that! Another little boy stopped him in the hall and told him that he aspires to be like him when he grows up. A lot of custodians do not realize the potential they have to be role models to children when they work in a school. However, Todd Quinn saw an opportunity to seek out and mentor young students, especially the ones who are quiet and don’t seem to get much attention. Our students are truly blessed to have Mr. Todd in their school and, more importantly, in their lives.

Sarah has been working with the teachers in our building to help them self-pace their classes, set up Google classrooms, and step out of their comfort zones. A veteran teacher wanted to set her entire team up with Google classroom. Sarah provided the support to make this happen. She has been available when needed. At 5:30 this afternoon she was in the teacher’s classroom helping her with a problem the teacher experienced during the day. Her support has helped validate the teacher and add excitement to the teacher’s and students’ day. Thank you Sarah.

Melanie has completely reinvented our library center. She has made changes that have excited our students in so many ways. One of the simplest things she has implemented is for each child to adopt a shelf. There is a note on each shelf that says “This shelf is cared for by…” The students are taking ownership of the library. They are excited to go and are taking pride in their part of the library media center. They are making sure their shelves are dusted, neat, and books are in order. The pride they feel has made the library a special part of their day. Thank you Melanie.

Sheriff Wheeler walked into the Custer County Communications Center midweek of the 2016 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The day had been a remarkably quiet day to this point and he not so innocently remarked upon the fact, dropped this card, 7 of hearts side up on my desk and sat down. Anyone who dispatches or is a first responder, knows that it is BAD luck to walk into a dispatch office and say the word QUIET. Within minutes the 911 lines were lit up and we had 2 motorcycle accidents with injuries. Once we got everything back to “normal”, I read the back of the card. “Today-YOU made a difference, by making a simple moment ……. Significant.” I sat back in my chair and thought about that for quite awhile before I logged in to see what journey this card had taken to get to me….turns out it started with me! You just never know when you are going to make a difference in someone’s life! Receiving this card was an instant wake up call to always be mindful of my words and actions! Thanks Sheriff! And so begins card #33687’s journey.