Students at Brentwood Elementary are committed to making a difference in the lives of sick children, and for the fourth consecutive year, they have worked together to raise support for a "dreamer" at Dreams Come True.
Dreams Come True is a non-profit organization that helps terminally ill children make their dreams a reality, and it was the organization chosen in 2005 by four fourth-grade Brentwood students as a way to give back to children who were less fortunate.
"Brentwood Elementary is involved in our Kids Helping Kids program, which provides students with the opportunity to raise money to sponsor the dream of a child who is battling a life-threatening illness," said Joanna Blinn, special projects manager for Dreams Come True.
Fifth-grade teacher Regina Rowan-Thomas, who began the Dreams Come True campaign with her students and oversees it each year, said it was her students who selected the organization they would work with.
"When we started working together to help those who are less fortunate, our students did research about local organizations that worked with children and selected Dreams Come True."
Once the students chose Dreams Come True, Rowan-Thomas had them design a business plan to raise money, and then present it to their principal for approval.
The students decided to make chocolate covered roses for Valentine's Day and sell them to students, faculty members and parents. To market their campaign, students distributed flyers and posters, and advertised their roses on their school's news show.
This year, Mrs. Rowan-Thomas had the largest amount of students participating in the campaign. Students stayed after school to make the roses, and came in early to sell them. The roses were so popular that they sold out in one day.
In total, they were able to raise more than $300 for Dreams Come True.
Students were able to meet their dreamer, eight-year-old Sergio E., on May 29 when he visited Brentwood for his celebration of life dream party.
Sergio was greeted with hugs, handshakes, a card and a welcome banner, made especially for him by the students. He also was treated to a catered lunch, provided by one of the student's parents, with all the participants.
"It was fun to meet the whole school," he said. "I am thankful for the money they earned for me."
During the visit, Sergio found out his dream to visit Disney World would be coming true. Thanks to the students at Brentwood and Dreams Come True, Sergio will be visiting all of the Disney theme parks, Universal Studios and SeaWorld.
Sergio said he is excited to go and have fun, and looks forward to meeting Mickey Mouse and seeing dolphins.
"Each year, the students at Brentwood Elementary have a lot going on and it's incredible that they continue to support Dreams Come True," said Blinn.
Mrs. Rowan-Thomas doesn't have to encourage her students to continue the Dreams Come True campaign - it's something they love doing and look forward to each year.
"I tell all of my students that I am their school mom, and I teach them to not always think about themselves, but to also think of others," said Rowan-Thomas. "We learn about community involvement, and a service project like Dreams Come True teaches these students to help those who are less fortunate."
Rowan-Thomas credits her mentor, fellow Brentwood teacher Marcia White, in instilling her with a sense of service. She hopes that her example to think of others and help out those less fortunate will be something her students remember throughout their lives.
The students who participated in this year's project are: committee members Brittany D., Faith N., Brittany Y., Aaliyah B., Cassandra T. and Michaela G.; helpers Curtis A., LeAuna F., Eris I., Ricardo R., Quashon G., Kearrington C., Devon J., Natalie C., Kristina R., Shekinah R., Cortez D., Paula J., Laura G., Darryl C., Taylor B., Reggie B., Halie C., Aliciana A., William J., Lauryn F., Heidi L., Jimmy B., Rashawn W., Shaqwille K. and Caroline C.; and fourth-graders Julia K., Aliyah T. and Tierra A.
Click here to watch dcpsTV coverage of Brentwood Elementary's Dreams Come True event.
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