My name is Shane Halpin, and my fabulous co-teacher is Ashley Hall. We both teach Civics at Holley-Navarre Middle School and are in the process of revamping our Civics program. Over the past few years, our Civics Department has strived to develop a legacy of excellence; however, we believe we need to bolster this transition; taking it to the next level.

Undoubtedly, Covid has severely impacted schools, businesses, and the mindset of the way we live day-to-day. Sadly, many of our students are significantly behind in both reading and writing skills, while most are behind in applying themselves and managing life as we know it. The lack of effort is distressing. We want to alter this way of thinking. We must empower our students with the tools they will need to emerge as engaged citizens who will thrive in a variety of scenarios. We want them to know how to assert themselves while being well-mannered, etiquette-driven young adults. Our youth need to rise up and invest in themselves.

The evolution of our students’ mindset can be the difference between someone not wanting to get a job to someone wanting to assertively search for a job and project their best foot forward. We want our students to yearn for better. We want them to be amazing citizens who are actively engaged in their communities. Our country needs a phenomenal group of people to interview for future positions. Our future as a nation depends on this overhaul.

In order to do this, we need to make some major changes in our classrooms. Our vision for our Civics Academy encompasses civic knowledge, etiquette, common sense, social-emotional self-help, business skills, as well as critical thinking. These Pillars of Excellence will allow us to reach and engage our students while assisting in developing them to become the best versions of themselves.

Our transformation is going to be costly but well-worth the time, effort, and hard work. We seek to start off by being great examples for our students by showing them that hard work pays off. Our ambitious goal: to raise $30,000 to provide technology for our two classrooms. We have several computer programs that we want to incorporate throughout the school year; however, the inconsistency of having access to technology stifles our ability to implement these. We are hopeful through your generous donations we will be able to purchase classroom iPads, smartboard, and software applications that will be used by the 300 plus students a year.

Ultimately, our children are the future leaders of our community, state, and country. Think of your donation as a long-term investment. We want to do our part, and we hope that you will join our team to help make this happen. Can we count on your donation?