Future Leader

At one of his posts: Front entrance of the schools main building. He has to greet people, open the door for them, and direct them where to go if they don't know.

Towards the end of the school year, last year, Vaughn's fourth grade teacher recommended him to the Principal, as an "excellent candidate to serve on the James I. Gibson Elementary School Safety Patrol". According to the letter from the principal, it said "We are looking for the most mature, kind, responsible, reliable, and energetic students to serve in this honorable position". It also said that only 28 students would be selected and....Vaughn was selected. I think it's a very good program for the students to learn leadership and responsibility. In another letter from the principal, it said "This is a very important position because you will be setting an example for all the students in our school by helping everyone follow Gibson procedures and by creating a welcoming environment throughout our building and on our playground".

I felt so proud of him, but I was not surprised at all because that is the kind of person he is. He loves challenges (he's so much like his Uncle Taylor), and when he's given one, he WILL show you he CAN accomplish it, and he usually does.

So as a fifth grader this year, and a Safety Patrol Leader for his school, he loves what he does, and he looks forward to it each time. He works for a whole week, in the morning before school starts, and in the afternoon after school, but it's every other week. They use a bright green t-shirt so that it distinguishes them from others and it makes it so that the other students will recognize them and go to them for help if needed. According to Vaughn, for the most part, the other students are pretty respectful of their position.

Vaughn is a great student...he's a very smart kid (we call him Einstein) and is in the G.A.T.E. (Gifted and Talented Education) program at school. He's also a big help to his siblings, which is a big help to me. Some of the things the kids are learning now? Way over my head! We are so very proud of him!