Teacher Spotlight: Cathie Conforti

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.