Every year, Kyle Gordon and his two leadership classes present grand gesture projects and then students choose one project from each class. The gestures are based on non-profit organizations and how we can raise money for these great causes. In past years there have only been two projects but this year there are three.
In Mr. Gordon’s third-hour class, Katie Bardwell’s project was chosen because of the cause she chose to represent. She chose the Headstrong Foundation to represent. Bardwell chose this foundation because of her dad. Her father was in the military and he went through very traumatic times through his time serving and after the military. Bardwell said, “ I was scared at first and shocked, but I am happy my class listened to my speeches and decided that this foundation and event was the best to do this year.” The other candidates, Ben Stallings and Nick Horris were the other two finalists, but Katie’s presentation and story drew in the votes. Her idea to raise money for this project is a Powderpuff game. Katie says, “Raise as much money as possible to give it all to the Headstrong Project that will use the money to improve more PTSD-trained therapists and other resources for veterans, soldiers, and families affected.”
Lily Rawson was chosen to represent Mr. Gordon’s 4th hour class and chose The Women’s Safe House of St. Louis. When brainstorming on what to choose for the project Lily chose this cause because someone significant to her struggled with domestic violence her whole life. “As a woman, I felt that it was my job to use this opportunity to educate and invite men into this conversation,” says Lily. When she was chosen, she was very excited but nervous and was scared to present her ideas to the class. But they encouraged her to follow the original idea that she had come up with. Her idea is to “Walk a mile in Her Shoes”. Everyone who shows up can pay to walk around the track, they are encouraged to wear purple and bring their own socks and shoes. All profits raised from this event will go to The Women’s Safe House of St. Louis
Grace Combs was the finalist in Mr. Gordon’s 5th-hour class. Her project is to raise money for the NICU where her baby cousin was a patient. Her baby cousin was placed in the NICU after a placental abruption. Combs says, “ I felt elated when I was chosen because I could finally contribute to the NICU and give them the support that they deserve.” Grace’s idea was a Valentine’s dance. The dance will be Valentine’s Day themed and the girls ask the guys to go the dance. Grace says “I hope to spread awareness about the NICU and help the local hospitals by donating the money made to further current research on premature babies.”. Her baby cousin’s story has driven her to become a Neonatal practitioner
