A fundamental goal of the Keep It! Campaign has been to build a national network of student leaders with the skills and the desire to create sustainable solutions in their own communities and beyond. At Riverstone Montessori Academy in Marietta, GA, the Keep It! initiative combined with Montessori ideals provided a perfect opportunity for students to practice social entrepreneurship.
Lead Middle School Teacher Sofia Tobon explains that, along with academics, Riverstone’s developmentally based curriculum encourages social and emotional growth. “Children need opportunities to meaningfully interact and connect with people around the globe. These activities nurture their spirit of compassion and help them to understand that they have the ability to positively impact the lives of others,” says Tobon. “After watching the Ivory Park video presented by Bob Tryanski, the students realized that things they take for granted are not possibilities for the children in Ivory Park.”
For eighth grader Maggie Cummings, the story of Ivory Park motivated her to take action by initiating a carnival fundraiser completely organized by students. Assisted by student co-planners Connor Nickerson and Dallas Brady, Cummings and her team ran a successful project from start to finish. “Maggie is a natural leader,” notes Tobon. “She is extremely organized and detail oriented, and she loves to take on managerial roles. If she takes on a project, she will see it through to the end with no detail spared. It was impressive to see people calling to speak to her directly instead of asking for the teachers.”
In spite of uncooperative weather, the carnival was a big success and raised more than $700 for Ivory Park. Cummings is pleased with the results and hopes that the carnival can be used as a replicable fundraising strategy next year. ”After seeing the presentation on Ivory Park, I was inspired by the stories that were told and our ability to help children in South Africa,” says Cummings. “Since I like to do fundraising, this seemed like the perfect cause. I’ve been thinking about doing a carnival fundraiser and the Campaign for Ivory Park was the perfect fit. I’m pleased with the results and it would be great if Riverstone could expand on it next year.”
Tobon believes that meaningful activities such as the fundraiser for Ivory Park benefit her students academically, professionally and socially. “Academically, students learn factual information about different cultures and international issues that are impacting our planet. Professionally, they learn and practice research, organization, presentation, planning, and management skills. And socially and emotionally, they benefit from working together to help others who are not as fortunate. Knowing that their efforts, even at this age, can help someone like them on the other side of the world have a better life has a profound effect upon them as they continue to grow and find their place in society.”
The Keep It! Campaign salutes the students and staff at Riverstone Montessori Academy for their contribution to Ivory Park and for their efforts to build a community of social entrepreneurs.