A recent fire displaced a Wylie ISD family. While it was a devastating circumstance, it brought with it an opportunity for the community to step in and offer support. One of the many awesome things about Wylie is that our folks LOVE to help those in need. And, it doesn’t take long before plans are put into place and action is taken to bring about positive change. The day following the fire, the Wylie ISD PTA provided clothes to the family along with a $500 gift certificate from Muddy Creek Farms, courtesy of Bob and Terri Thurmond. It should be mentioned that Bob and Terri have NEVER met this family. Ever.
Coach Margaret Boyd spends hours on the tennis court. Her dedication extends well beyond the regular school day. She also teaches art to students at Wylie High School. Last Saturday, I found her supervising the “Empty Bowls” art project which corresponded with the Celebrate the Arts festivities. The project worked to raise money for the hungry by selling student-created bowls. It’s an outstanding venture—I wasn’t surprised to learn that Margaret had become involved with it, for she always goes out of her way to devote herself to students and the work they do. She’s fantastic.
Born in the Philippines, WHS senior Jenny Tagle has lived a life of adventure and hardship. At the age of one, her mother left her and her siblings to work in Hong Kong to provide money for food, clothes, and school. In the six years that her mother was gone, Jenny was only able to see her two times. To survive, she learned to climb coconut trees, chase chickens, and beg for money in the streets—all before the age of six. In 2006, she was given a second chance at a better life in America. She said, “I began to have hope that I can make something of myself. I can have a dream, and I can have a better life. All because I am in the United States.” Jenny has taken full advantage of what life in America, and in Wylie, brings. She is involved in EVERYTHING. She is a leader on campus, and she will attend Texas Tech University in the fall. Jenny is the definition of HOPE. She makes me, and everyone around her, hopeful, too. When she was in sixth grade, she painted the following image on the wall at Draper Intermediate. I cannot walk by it without thinking of her and the grit she has shown in her life. We are so lucky to know her and to have her in our district.
Jenny, Mrs. Boyd, and the Thurmonds all have something in common. Their actions are like pebbles, tossed into a pond. They are the ripples that spread and affect those around them. They are the Wylie Way.
Our positive actions, both big and small, create “ripples of hope” and make the world a better place. Are there people whose actions have made a similar impact on your life? Starting today, you can let them know they are “ripples of hope” and recognize them for the work they do.
Are there teachers who are ripples of hope to your child? Let them know! Are there co-workers whose presence makes others happier? Let them know! Are there people in your life who model hope and treat others with the kind of love, compassion, and kindness you want for yourself? Let them know! Are there people who care enough to support others who are in need? Let them know!
Each campus has been provided with Ripple of Hope cards so that everyone can participate. Fill one out, and let someone know that they give you hope. You can also print off a card by clicking on the link below. Print it, write it, and send it. It’s that simple.
Want to start a ripple of hope? You can also share Ripple of Hope messages on social media. Simply use #rippleofhope and see what a difference you can make in the world.
Here are the complete details:
We look forward to seeing how this simple act of kindness can bring hope to the world and bring about positive change in our district, in our community, and in our world. Make someone’s day, be a ripple of hope, and let others know that they make a difference in your life.
Together, we can start a chain reaction—the Wylie Way!
