Part 3 of a 7-day series – Sharing the Positive Impact Grand Blanc High Schoolers are making thanks to the focus and direction of Social Studies teacher, Mr. Todd Babiasz. He oversees the class L.E.A.D. (Leadership Exploration And Development).
A note from Mr. Babiasz:
WHEN I REFLECT BACK ON MY 20 YEARS OF TEACHING,
this past year has been the most incredible experience for my students and myself. Something different happened this year. The difference was that my students made a real impact. They dreamed, planned, and implemented a project that changed the lives of all of those who were involved. Students not only covered content, had discussions, took tests, and completed homework, but they transformed people’s lives, including their own. My students were no longer just in “school” or in “class”, instead they were finding their passions, gaining new skills, making things happen, tearing down the walls of their classroom and positively impacting the real world. My students did so many things for our community: they build relationships with elementary students who were in need of them, they let our elderly population know they are important, have dignity and are valued, they helped students be more confident with clean clothes so they can get to school more, they brought awareness of animals in need of a home, they helped make a school heart certified and safer for all, and finally, they provided a system for women to get necessary health products that otherwise they may not have. My students have inspired me to step back and get out of their way. When I do step back, they step forward and are changing the world!
Presentation #3 Fire For Hearts – Students Involved:
James Cook
Hayden Emmerling
Josh Sharber
Brendan Silpoch
Evan Vierling
Hannah Callender (Video Producer and Editor)
Fire for Hearts came together by combining L.E.A.D. student’s love of sports and some group members struggle with cardiac issues. They wanted to bring awareness that cardiac issues were the leading cause of death for student-athletes. Fire for Hearts created and implemented an incredible project that trained staff at Brendle Elementary in using A.E.D. machines, led a whole school assembly for students to bring awareness to the issue, using Evan Vierling’s connection as a Flint Firebird, Hot Wing the mascot came and visited the students during the assembly and had fun hockey contests to get the students excited. Finally, they held a drawing contest for Brendle Elementary students to draw the best picture to bring attention to the school´s A.E.D. machine. Ava Zagata was a talented winner. Her photo is now hanging next to the school’s A.E.D. machine. She also won the opportunity to go to a Flint Firebirds game, meet the team, get autographs, ride the Zamboni, and have her own authentic jersey. With the help of Fire for Hearts, our Brendle Staff is trained in dealing with cardiac arrest and our students are more aware and safe. Thank you Fire for Hearts!
