Part 5 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 #5 Period in Perspective – Students Involved:
Anneliese Hull
Jeremy Johnson
Corena Kalinin
Kassia McEntire
Zoe Rogers
Aireonna Welch
Ryan Woody
Erin Fitzpatrick (Video Producer and Editor)
The story of Period in Perspective is such an amazing journey. This group took a taboo topic and took it mainstream. Their goal was to empower women by supplying local organizations with menstrual products now, and into the future. They did this in several different ways. They teamed with Traverse Place in Flint who did not have a budget for this expense for the women they serve. Next, they built three ¨drop boxes¨ that were given to three Grand Blanc businesses for customers to donate feminine hygiene products that would eventually be delivered to Traverse Place: Leslee’s Salon, Salon Makenzie, and STAR Rehabilitation center. Next, they focused on Grand Blanc High School. There they went to the school board to initiate a program that would provide these products to girls at GBHS at no cost. This group brought to light issues that need to be talked about and done something about…they did both!
