Although a picture speaks a thousand words, this photo can’t begin to tell the story. Mrs. Diehn and Mrs. Linneweber, two fourth grade teachers at CSA Fodrea, came to United Way of Bartholomew County in Columbus Indiana, with a student project to teach their children about community support. This simple lesson turned into a community lesson in which we all learned and were inspired.
These students created pieces of art with our local leaders and celebrities to sell in a silent auction to raise money for United Way and their agencies. During these six plus months of art projects the children all were given the opportunity to research the local agencies of United Way and invite the directors to their classroom to learn more. The children were so engaged they invited all the area directors to Read Across America day and they shared their stories of research on each agency. This moment was more inspiring to the agency directors than they could have been prepared. Not only did they research and learn the kids also asked how they could help and to volunteer.
One day all the children took a field trip to help United Way prepare the back to school back packs. This United Way gives over 2000 back packs of school supplies to families in need each year, some of which may have been students in this class.
In addition to the art auction which inspired the children to research the agency and their programs along with the Read Across America Day, the class published a photo book with their research to sell.
It was fabulous! This can only be accomplished with passionate and inspiring teachers. I would like to nominate Mrs. Suzanne Diehn and Mrs. Lyndsey Linneweber for this award. I would really like to send all the photos to truly tell the story as you can see the tremendous work accomplished throughout the school year by these selfless and loved teachers.