Presentation, Polish, Preparation...for life!

This is what Nick wears as we go out to businesses all over our area as he seeks for sponsors to help cover his tuition for a Leadership Academy that he was nominated for by his Fourth Grade teacher, Miss Harmon. He has a memorized presentation and looks VERY polished for a 4th grade boy...

Participants join a delegation of other distinguished students from all over Texas and travel to the Dallas/Fort Worth area, where they develop leadership skills while learning about the great state of Texas. Participants have the opportunity to learn about future career and internship opportunities, visit historically, scientifically and environmentally significant sites and be part of a rare academic experience. Upon completion of the program, each participant receives a Lone Star Leader Certificate of Merit to be added to his or her academic achievements.

So, Nick decided he wanted to go on this week-long, overnight adventure this summer. We told him he would have to earn the $795.00 that it costs to attend. The organization gave us a sample sponsor letter which we tweaked and made copies for specific businesses; Nick takes it in, asks for the manager, or the doctor, or dentist, and then introduces himself, explains what he has been nominated for and why (excellent grades, behavior, community service & leadership) and then asks them if they "would financially help him with a donation towards his tuition for the Summer Academy." I am off to the side,so proud, I'm literally bursting!!! And our dentist, Dr. Misty Brown, was almost in tears, she was so impressed! We both got choked up. And she complimented him (as did all the office staff who heard) and wrote him a check for $100.00 right then and there!!! People in Walmart and Albertsons' Customer Service lines, all listen and smile and tell me I have an amazing son, or a son with "guts"...and those stores don't give cash, but have promised him a gift card so that he can get supplies before he goes. generous. cool. people love courageous kids!!

We have gone to many places and received donations from most of them: our vet's office collected cash from all employees and gave $40; CVS in Saginaw manager gave $20 out of his pocket for the "guts it took" Nick to say his memorized speech, and he apologized that CVS can no longer give donations as a company due to some Union policy; a local orthodontist gave $50 they were so impressed, and many of our relatives have sent Nick money, too. He has raised about $590.00! Serious!

This activity has taken guts and faith, and I've been MUCH more nervous than he was (on our first day out I was sweating profusely and praying like crazy) :)  and he has shown great leadership in doing this. His teacher and principal are SO proud that he is out raising the money himself. We can't wait. Once a student is nominated, they can go back each summer until 9th grade. Next year, Nick will spend a week in Texas' capital, AUSTIN; and the next year, he will spend a week in HOUSTON and the beach area of GALVESTON (and NASA!).

I keep thinking about his future mission (or "mission trip" as Texans call it, although they go for 1-2 weeks in the summer, not 2 years!) and how this is incredible preparation. Just amazing. And I have reminded him to type or handwrite thank you cards to all who donate, which he has done, including a photo of him and our dog :) and the phrase (which I love and chuckle at; they'll know his mom did NOT write it), "thanks to your donation I will be able to achieve my eager zeal to attend the Leadership Academy this summer."

More to come!