- CCS News
- Partners
Be The One Program Students at Linden-McKinley STEM Academy Create Crafts for Ronald McDonald House Patients and Families
October 4, 2021 -- Linden-McKinley STEM Academy (LMSA) students are making a difference by giving back to the community both inside and outside of the classroom through student leadership and a community-building program called Be The One.
The Be The One program is a student elective with a curriculum addressing students' social-emotional learning needs. The program emphasizes providing students with the tools to combat the negative impacts of debilitating childhood traumas within a safe space.
Middle School Math Teacher Dawn Heideman founded the Be The One program, which serves the community both inside and outside of LMSA, and creates a ripple effect of kindness, consideration, and inclusion.
"This project gives the students the opportunity to give back, provide for families, and gives them a sense of achievement," said Heideman.
The Be The One program is centered around five key intervention areas; allowing oneself to get close to others; learning to take care of one's own physical and emotional needs; getting honest about recognizing defense mechanisms; acting unafraid and allowing for an extension to others; being supported.
Heideman is more than just a teacher. She's a strong force, confidant, and mentor to her students. Heideman and high school English Teacher Carla Hegyi (co-founder) work collectively throughout the school year to provide bonding activities, guest speakers, field trips, volunteer opportunities, and to build a safe space for students. "My students get a lot of pride from helping other people. When you can change another person's world, yours doesn't look so meek," said Heideman.
"Before being a part of Be The One, I was a "wild child" in and out of trouble and getting bad grades," said Linden-McKinley STEM Academy Junior Tayvon Ford. "Now I'm a class leader, and I have good grades, I help others, I'm going to go far. We're like a family, and being in this program has helped me to be a better person."
Senior Desiree Cookerly started the program during her junior year. During the year, she was offered the opportunity to work as an intern with Children's Hospital.
"The program helped me grow," Cookerly said. During the pandemic and online learning due to COVID, she attended virtually every day. "After graduation, I plan to go on to college to major in psychology. Being a part of the Be The One program added to my drive and determination to be successful."
Recently, the students collaborated on a pumpkin craft project for the Ronald McDonald House; this collaboration also helped the students with team building and working together.
During each class period, students paired up to complete their projects. The students shared why they like being a part of the program, and the unanimous response was, "to be a part of change." Many face obstacles or odds against themselves but being a part of the program has fostered a sense of community, a bond like family, and accountability partners for life.
The Be the ONE program has helped bring voice to students, increasing the odds for at-risk students. Students who enter this life-changing program are determined to show themselves and others that they can beat the odds and redefine their futures.