Hands4Hope selected Cathie Conforti
as this month’s Teacher Spotlight for the continued guidance that she gives the
Rolling Hills Hands4Hope Club. Cathie has graciously offered her classroom as a
club meeting place for seven years, and has worked closely with the club
leaders and participants to help them develop skills in communication and
teamwork.
What school do you teach at and which club
do you advise?
I teach at Rolling Hills Middle School, and have been
the Hands4Hope Sponsoring Teacher for the past seven years.
What is your
impression/experience with Hands4Hope youth?
I am always impressed by the commitment I see from the
middle school students. They are so sincere in their willingness to be of help
to others in the community, and they work hard to make good things happen.
3.Is there
anything that you've enjoyed most/been most surprised by in interacting with
the club?
I’ve seen many groups over the years plan and execute
activities. It is always fun to hear their initial ideas, and better yet, to
witness them making those ideas a reality.
Another aspect I really enjoy about this group is watching the personal
growth of the members. It amazes me to see those quiet, shy, sixth graders
transform into self-confident club leaders as eighth graders.
4. Is there
anything else that you would like to add?
I feel privileged to have been involved
with this group over these past years. The students who participate are really
remarkable young people! The things they accomplish never cease to amaze. As
adults when planning, we tend to overthink and always look for the reasons why
something might not work. What I see from this group is an optimism that they
can make it work, and even when the timing is tight, and unforeseen glitches
happen, they persevere and move ahead. In one fashion or another, they always
pull off what they have planned and they always make it work. They are a great reminder to others that what
you put your mind to doing really can happen. And, they always do it with a
smile.
