The Debate Stingers are here and ready to debate! This year I get to train a new bunch of 4th graders at Shwab Elementary School this year. They are an awesome group with a lot of potential. They will compete in their first debate tournament on Saturday, December 1, 2012 at Vanderbilt University at the Calhoun Building. We'd love to have your support!
Friday was our school talent show, and I must admit I was not in the mood. I knew the kids would have fun but I was simply tired. A few of my students opened up with the Preamble. They were extremely excited about it too. One of my students in particular asked me earlier that day if I would perform his song with him(he wrote and arranged). I gave him the typical grown-up response..."Oh no, you did so well. I really believe you can do it. I will be screaming for you like a crazed fan, which I promised all my students I would do and I did. He approached the stage that night with guitar in hand, and I did as I promised..."Go Carter, You Rock!". He began to sing and play and all of sudden I saw him slowly close his eyes, the music stopped, he broke down and cried. Everything in me reached out to him. I made the decision to walk on the stage to see if I could convince him to keep going. There was no going back for him. He told me he would think about going back up at the end. I spoke with him and his mom and dad and he was pretty sure about not going back up. "I'm just too nervous.", he stated. I really wanted him to try again but I knew I couldn't make him. I told some of his classmates to talk to him and try to convince him to go up again. They even went as far as telling him they would go up with him. IT WORKED! They called his name again and my heart was filled with joy and appreciation for them all when I saw them pull together and support him...different cultures and personalities pulling together to help one another. I was one happy teacher. "My babes are the best.", is what I said to myself. I hear one of their little BOLD voices say, "We want to thank our teach Ms. Hawthorne for always helping us. We want her to join us and help sing this song." I thought, "I am going to kill them...with extra homework that is." I walked to the stage and got on a mic with 2 of my girls, one boy and another girl stood to the left of me. I saw Carter put his mouth to the mic and start to sing and play his song..."Can you help me figure it out?" I couldn't help but to stand there and watch him show his true colors. This child loves music. I tried to sing but I couldn't help but stand there and cry as I saw one of the most timid students I have ever taught own the room. I will never forget that moment. I remembered in that moment why I love what I do. It's because when what I have done and what I have given to others is put to the fire, IT WILL LAST. I thank God that what I am passionate about will last. "Go Carter, You Really Rock!"
May 10th was our last debate. We were able to use the Estes Kefauver Federal Courthouse downtown. The students were so excited and they prepared a lot for this debate(see visual walk for practice footage). They walked away with 14 Top Speaker Awards, as well as the Purple Team winning both rounds. Kirkpatrick had 2 teams that won both rounds during this debate. Congrats to their d Again thanks so much for supporting the students during this part of their education journey. I'm sure you will see their names in the bright lights someday...soon! 
Purple Team...Kiya, Alandos, Karla, and Hemmerson...They won both rounds during the championship!! I was very proud of them!
Dr. Gibbs(assistant principal) with the students that took home medals and trophies!
People have been asking for ways they can help with the debate team. Above is a form that tells how you can help.
First Step: Read the form. Second Step: Decide how you want to help the debate team. Third Step: If you choose to donate funds, please make check or money order payable to Cole Elementary. Please attach a note stating that all proceeds go to Cole Elementary's Debate Team. The address is below... 5060 Colemont Drive Antioch, TN 37013 If you prefer to donate your time, feel free to contact me by sending a message through the contact page for ways your expertise could be beneficial to us. Thank you for choosing to donate to this great group of children! Yesterday was awesome! I had an opportunity to complete a community service project with my debaters. Since being on the team they have not had to pay a dime for anything they have had the opportunity to experience. So what better way to pass the love than for them to serve someone else. They had the chance to help children with disabilities. Of course they were like most 9 and 10 year olds upon entering the room and didn't really understand the debts of what they were doing for someone else's life, but by the end of the experience our goal was to plant a seed of serving in the hearts of them. My prayer was that the seed found good soil and they will continue to find ways to serve their community.  John and Hemmerson decided to leave their tag...lol...love those boys!
See visual walk for more pics. Two years ago, I was in bed just thinking about what I wanted to do and would enjoy doing for the rest of my life, of course children and education is in the top 5. However, I want to
do something that I simply could not do without, and that I couldn't wait to wake up in the morning to do. I love a good conversation, and even a good arguement at times. I had just watched The Great Debaters, and thought...Wow! I would love to do that. I instantly thought about all the comprehension skills they worked on while training for a debate, as I also thought about how many students I have had that can't hold a conversation, much less stay on topic...I thought..."I'm going to start a debate team!" So I did! Let me remind you I have never formally debated...lol...BUT God always provides provision for the vision, and He did just that. I now have 22 amazing 4th graders getting ready to compete in their first ever debate at Vanderbilt today, and they are GOOD too! The first 4th graders to debate in Metro Public School history might I add. My goal is to see other schools take on this endeavor. In saying all of this, whatever God places in your heart, step out on it. He has already ordered the people in place to make it come to pass. Team God!!! Big Shout Out to Addrienne Neal, Shewanna Buchanan, Mykah Wyman(Mrs. S), M.L. Sandoz...these ladies are amazing and without them this would have still been a vision. Look for footage soon! This award is given to teachers who exhibit exceptional dedication to the education of Cole Students. It was given for my efforts towards building a successful debate team. I was surprised and excited to be presented with this award! A few of My debate members are pictured with me. They couldn't resist an opportunity to be in a picture.  We completed another great day with the ladies of Delta Academy. The pressures of young girls are heavy these days, but to be with a group of girls and be able to help them understand how important each individual person is to me and others around them was simply humbling. They want so much to be needed or liked by others, and all along not knowing that their life, talents, and gifts are needed by many and their live are full of purpose. If not, there would be no need for them to be here on earth. I thank God for each of their lives and the lives they have and will touch by simply being themselves. Thank God for differences!
Big Shout Out to the ladies of the Rutherford County Alumni Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta for participating in today's mini Career Fair! These ladies are so supportive and awesome! See Visual Walk for pictures. Today I write this with a sense of accomplishment. My 4th team has had their first debate and they did an excellent job! I am so happy with the progress I am seeing with the team from the beginning of the year to date. At this point they have no place to go but UP. They are such positive students and are always so open to feedback on how to become better. A huge thank you to my line sister, Tisa Beard for coming out tonight to be a guest judge! Oh, how I love DST!
Now time to prepare for our big meet on January 28th at Vanderbilt against Kirkpatrick. I'm claiming a WIN for the Debate Warriors! I'll look for you in the crowd. Be sure to checkout the Visual Walk page for footage. Delta Academy went great! We had 11 young ladies who came out to participate in this program. (look for pics soon) We look forward to seeing it grow each month.
This months theme was "Just Be Giving". Our goal was to show the importance of doing community service, even at their young age. They made bags for people who live in homeless shelters. Some of the girls were able to go with us to deliver the bags. They were so excited about finding ways they can help in their community. It was an awesome thing to see young people think about helping someone outside of themselves. Next month's theme will be "Just Be You". The young ladies will get to explore more about their chosen career path and hopefully some will actually chose a specific career. Hopefully this will encourage them to see what they can start working on TODAY to get there. How could I forget.....ROLL TIDE!! | EssenceTake a look inside my mind and capture the thoughts of me...hence the Essence of Essence. ArchivesMay 2012 CategoriesAll |
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