There are few obstacles that are insurmountable.
This lesson encompassed the day’s activities on Jan. 19, when the third-grade students at Clarkston Elementary took part in the ‘Reach for the Stars? program.
Presented by the CE PTO, the program focuses on individuals who have overcome several different forms of adversity to achieve greatness. Students spent time learning about Tiger Woods, Walt Disney, Oprah Winfrey, Jim Abbot and others
‘Set a goal for yourself and find a way to reach it. The whole idea is overcoming obstacles,? said third-grade teacher Ms. Isaac.
Cathy Peterson, co-chair for CE PTO, said the people highlighted are good examples for the students to emulate.
‘Other people have (overcome obstacles) and achieved greatness and they can do it too,? Peterson said.
During the morning hours, students spent time rotating between stations in the school cafeteria. At each station, a different volunteer, some in costume, spoke about how famous people have overcome obstacles such as poverty, race, lack of formal education, and physical handicaps.
Following each talk, students had the chance to partake in activities that helped them experience what these individuals have accomplished.
Renee Weaver-Wright, who taught the students about quadriplegic artist Joni Eareckson Tada, has participated in the program for nine years, even though her own children have grown up and no longer at CE.
‘I think it’s a great program for the kids,? she said. ‘It’s important to teacher them they can overcome these obstacles.?
Following the morning station lessons, the students returned to their classrooms for a lesson on one of the most famous people to overcome physical obstacles: Helen Keller.
In the afternoon the students returned to the cafeteria for a special assembly to sum up the day’s lessons.