Changemakers, Our Work for Educators, Our Work for Students

Champions Day: Making A Difference in the Lives of Students

To many Snow White, Cinderella, and a lawyer wouldn’t fall under the same category. But to Hailie Dixon, who grew up in a single mother household, receiving a college degree was something right out of a fairy tale; SAM_1402something that she could only dream of. This was until she joined Champions For Learning’s Take Stock in Children mentoring and scholarship program.

Thanks to Champions For Learning, Hailie and other students like her, have the opportunity to earn a post-secondary education. On November 18, they shared their stories with the community at the first annual Champions Day.

“Carol, my mentor, and Champions For Learning were there to help lead me down the confusing path to college,” said Hailie. “Throughout the process I knew I could always go to them if I needed anything. They became my second family.”

Throughout the program, attendees heard testimonials not only from students, but also parents, like Anita, whose daughter is currently attending Florida State University thanks to her Take Stock scholarship.

“As a single migrant mother I wasn’t always able to give my child the steady support that she needed,” said Anita, as she fought back tears. “The best feeling for me, as a parent, was to be able to look at her and have her tell me that she was going to college and it was all thanks to this program.”

Through these testimonials, Champions Day shared the message of impact and helped people learn about how they could make a difference through volunteering, making a gift, or choosing another way to become a Champion for Learning.

“Champions Day is the opportunity we all have to contribute to the environment for student learning we all want.  Whether you are a business owner who would like to contribute a portion of proceeds on this day, an individual who is choosing to volunteer or a school that does something in the spirt of Champions Day,” said William R. Barker, Board Chair.

The Island Walk Tennis group did just that. They got creative and held a series of events called Tropical Swing, which consisted of a Pro-Am Tennis Tournament, an Amateur Tennis Tournament, and a dinner social. In doing so, this group was able to raise $7,800 to support classroom grants from Avalon Elementary. Through dedicated volunteers, Champions For Learning has been able to make an incredible impact on the community.

It’s not too late for you to become a Champion and help to connect students to their future by volunteering or making a financial contribution.  Click here to learn the different ways you can make a difference in a child’s life.