My hands are sweaty, my legs are shaking and my heart is thumping wildly. Within the next few minutes I will be part of history. I will be forever etched in the minds of family, colleagues, and the students of Entwistle School. Tears are streaming down my face as I start my leg of the Rick Hansen Relay. The medal hanging around my neck brings even more tears as I recognize its importance. In the distance I hear cheering and I can see the nine students who are about to join me. I see their smiles and feel their excitement as I get closer. I reflect on all of the “Difference Makers” in our community and in our school. My smile grows bigger as I think of the students within our school and the difference they have made in my life. Each and every one of them has, in some way, impacted the way I live my life. While the student runners fall in behind me and we start our journey together to the finish line, we can hear the crowd’s cheers growing louder and louder. As the gathering of parents, community members and students come into view, my breath is taken away. It’s at this moment I realize that together we CAN make a difference. Together we DO make a difference and together we ARE a “Small School with a BIG Heart”.
Stacey is an Educational Assistant at Entwistle School and has been for the past 11 years. She loves to travel and spend time outdoors when not at school.