We continue to explore the rights and responsibilities of citizens. After meeting several models of civic virtue (i.e., Nelson Mandela and Eleanor Roosevelt) students selected a hero to research and symbolically portray for our Heroes in the Hallway project. Stay tuned for pictures of our heroes.
This project was inspired by Dr. Dennis Denenberg, a professor of history and education. Dr. Denenberg’s book, “50 American Heroes Every Kid Should Meet,” was one source that provided multiple options for research. In 2006, Mr. DiBlasi and I heard him speak about his hero with such passion and enthusiasm and we hope your heroes inspire you as much as Dr. Denenberg inspired us.
Heroes in the Hallway
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I also forgot to add, I got all this information from http://www.chaseutley.com/utley/foundation/
Hi Ms.Digangi, I’ve known this for a while but I kept forgetting to post it. Chase Utley and his wife Jen are great models of civic virture. They help out at animal shelters and help with the PSPCA. Chase also worked with a program called the Philadelphia Futures. This program has helped raise close to $300,000. He also hosts bowling events where he earned $140,000. I think it’s great that Chase Utley, one of the best players in the Major Leagues, doesn’t let the publicity get to his head.
That is a nice example, Juliana. I never really thought that he did things like that. That is a cool fact. Nice job!
Hi Mariah,
WOW! Do you have the link to share? I’ll look for it as well. Amnesty International Kids may have an update on their website: http://www.amnestyusa.org/individuals-at-risk/ai-kids/page.do?id=1101360
I was on Google Videos and it turns out Aung San Sui (spelled correctly?) has been freed. I was estatic!
Hi Mrs.D,
I’m not sure if you’re already planning on showing any of these videos during class next week,but these are some great ones that I found of my hero,Alex Scott,and the amazing foundation she started:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UOiBLRQ96QM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOAM6AsK2p0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oMeoZowV_ls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gM9GbaSsUaE=YOEUbS_bs_8
There are several other videos on ALSF’s official YouTube channel,that might be of some interest,but these that I shared links for,are the ones that I thought would be the best options to choose from.
ALSF official YouTube page:
http://www.youtube.com/user/AlexsLemonade
Hi Juliana,
I am so proud of your learning. 🙂 You synthesized Enlightenment philosophy with an example of a modern day hero and his efforts to fight injustice Clooney is a model of civic virtue and the links help your readers continue to explore his contributions. Clooney’s dad, a retired journalist, also engages in active citizenship by working with George to end genocide. Do you think family members have the potential to inspire? Did George Clooney’s dad inspire him to think interdependently?
Ms,Digangi
A model of civic virtue I came upon was, George Clooney. He dedicates his time to help various countries. He has countributed to over 21 Charites. Some of them are CARE, American Foundation for Aids Research and Make Poverty History. He helps causes such as AIDS, Disaster Releif, Peace, and Poverty. Clooney has made trips to Sudan to help stop genocide. Doing this, he is risking his own
life in Sudan (which is a very violent place) to help others whos Natural Rights are Being Violated.
**If anyone did not already know, Genocide is violent crimes done to a specific groups to extingush that group.**
All in all, I beileve George is a Model of Civic Virtue because he gives up his time, and sacrifices his life to go and do things for people who are struggling. Also, instead of using his money on things he doesnt need, he donates it to charities.
This is why i believe George is a Model of Civic Virtue.
Sources:
looktothestars.org
ushmm.org
Hi Billy,
Your response is well written and provides support statements. You painted a picture of your hero and persuaded me to learn more. Thanks for adding the link. Links help others to explore and expand their own learning. Who did you choose for your hero in the hallway? It would have been a great connection if Albert was one of our heroes in the hallway. 🙂
Hi Ms.D
I was looking up baseball stats for Cardinals Baseball player Albert Pujols when something called The Pujols Family Foundation. I decided to read what was on the website and realized that Albert Pujols and his family are great models of Civic Virtue. Albert gives large amounts of money to kids living with Down Syndrome and less fortunate in his Hometown of Dominican Republic. The goal of his organization is to promote awareness and help out the families of kids with down syndrome. Albert organizes dinners and special events raising money for his organization and visits with the families quite often. On this powerful website it even stated that Albert’s wife missed most of her son’s football game to go to a dinner. Alberts family even hosted a home-run derby and an all star baseball game. Albert can find himself being extremely busy with baseball and training for upcoming seasons but he still makes time for his people. Albert worked hard enough to get his organization on national television. Albert goes to great lengths to help the children with down syndrome and the less fortunate families in his Home town dominican republic live better lives. Albert is a hero of mine and an outstanding model of civic virtue.
If you would like to visit his website you can click the link below http://www.pujolsfamilyfoundation.org/
Hi Mrs.D,
Alex is definitely part of the reason why I’d love to become a pediatric oncologist.I was really inspired by her courage and leadership.As soon as I heard everything in detail about her as a person and what she did at such a young age,I came to thinking that if Alex could do something so wonderful at age 4,that when I become an adult,I can do something for the good of others.
I first learned about Alex Scott one day back in August of 2004.I was watching the news on CBS 3,and they were publicly announcing her death to those in our area,and sharing her story.After hearing what was said in that newscast,I was interested in learning more about her,the foundation,and cancer itself.And as you might guess,what I found out is a major part of my inspiration to pursue the career that I would like to have,when I’m older.
It still amazes me that such a large non-profit organization started from a 4 year-old girl’s simple lemonade stand.
Hi Marisa,
First, I love your choice of hero. Secondly, your comment is very thorough and details why Alex is you hero. Lastly, providing links is a very helpful way to encourage others to learn more. When did you learn about her? Is she the reason you want to become a pediatric oncologist?
Hi Mrs. Ratzel,
Thank you! We will take photos of students with their “heroes in the hallway” next week and post them on our blog.
This project also introduces our students to our inter-disciplinary service learning unit. Our students will practice active citizenship and models of civic virtue by researching, collaborating, and advocating for a cause they select. We use a lot of digital tools for this upcoming unit and have a huge service learning fair at the end of the year. We hope you will visit again. By the way, are you able to allow commenters to receive emails of follow up comments. I’ve commented on your blog 2 or 3 times and didn’t see that option. Thank you again.
This project sounds like it’s not only fun but allows you to learn about all sorts of amazing people. I would think it will be inspirational…and hope that you’ll report on who you investigated.
Thanks for sharing this idea.
Mrs. R
I didn’t mean to type “,and end this disease,” ,but rather, “,end this disease,”.Type-o.Whoops! (:
My hero,Alex Scott,truly is a hero of mine.
At four years old,she started the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation,to raise money for Pediatric Cancer research.This was in the hope to find cures for all forms of the disease,and make the lives of the children fighting cancer (plus their families) a little bit brighter.
It started out as a simple lemonade stand in the front yard of her family’s home in Pennsylvania,in the year 2000.At her very first stand,Alex raised 2,000 dollars! She would hold further stands once a year,in the same place as the first.Unfortunately,Alex only got to oversee about 4 or 5 of her stands happen.She passed away on August 1st,2004,after a long battle with Neuroblastoma.One in five children diagnosed with cancer dies,and on that day,Alex became that one,and God’s newest cancer angel.
**NOTE:Neuroblastoma is a solid-tumor cancer of the sympathetic nervous system,that is mostly found in children under 10 years of age.It’s VERY rare for someone over 10 to be diagnosed with this aggressive cancer.**
When Alex had passed away,$1 million had already been raised for her foundation.And to this day,over $35 million dollars has been raised,which has helped to:
*Fund over 150 cutting-edge research projects.
*Create a travel program to help support families of children receiving treatment.
*Develop resources to help people everywhere affected by childhood cancer.
All of this,from one little girl.She truly is a hero,and model of civic virtue.Despite fighting her own battle against cancer,Alexandra Flynn Scott went to great lengths to raise awareness of this disease,and contribute to crucial research,that she hoped would find cures for all types of this disease,that 46 children are diagnosed with,each day.
In my opinion,we should all follow in her footsteps,stand up to cancer,and end this disease,and send more children home,happy and healthy,to their families that love them so much.
For more information,and to donate,please visit:
http://www.cancer.org/index
https://www.alexslemonade.org/