Part 6 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 #6 Senior Stories – Students Involved:

Caleb Main
Ellary Morris
Sophia Sakalis
Samantha Lange
Mary Hardenburg (Video Producer and Editor)

Senior Stories was a great group that came together and wanted to give local seniors living in assisted living something simple, their time. After visiting Brookdale Assisted Living they decided to create opportunities for them and seniors to spend time together, but to focus on talking and building relationships. They did this through sing-a-longs, trivia nights, and crafting. The beauty of this group was that they recognized that these seniors had many things, except many lacked visitors. That is where they came in and made a positive impact by simply giving their time and an ear to listen. New perspectives were gained by learning about the lives of seniors and new perspectives were gained by seniors on how awesome high school students are at making a positive difference.