Issue link: http://frankenmuthcvb.uberflip.com/i/969702
How do you measure kindness? The students and staff of E.F. Rittmueller Middle School sought the answer to this question. When anyone saw a random act of kindness, the person was asked to fill out a paper chain link. After school each day, the links were added until they circled the inside of the building. The purpose of the chain was for students to complete acts of kindness, with each link visually representing a positive impact on others. The goal was to connect the 5th and 6th grade hallway to the 7th and 8th grade hallway through the links. Measuring over 480 feet, it only took two months to connect the chain. This equates to approximately 1950 acts of kindness! The chain serves as a visual reminder of how much our words and actions impact those around us. Special thanks to EFR BRASS (Being Really Awesome Support Students) students and advisors for organizing the kindness activity. Frankenmuth School District is well-known for its academic excellence and robust athletic programs; however, a small but growing number of FSD students are eschewing the district's numerous AP programs to find rewarding career opportunities in the skilled trades. One of those pioneers is Drake Narvaiz, Frankenmuth High School Class of 2017. Drake has always been interested in engineering, building things, and working with his hands. Fortunately, FSD's relationship with the Bay-Arenac Career Center allowed him to enroll in a welding program, which has offered him many opportunities. Through the career center, Drake earned a year's worth of credit at Delta College; moreover, Drake also earned an opportunity that presents itself to few high school students. During last year's Senior Symposium, a job recruiter approached Drake with a business card that resulted in a full-time welding position at Magline, Inc., in Standish, Michigan. Additionally, Magline agreed to work around Drake's college courses; upon his graduation from Frankenmuth High School, Drake had a full-time job and a year of college credit thanks to his hard work and love of his trade. As he left Frankenmuth High School for a new career, Drake had many kind things to say about his alma mater; he's enjoyed FSD's friendly atmosphere, helpful and knowledgeable staff, and, of course, a curriculum that has allowed him to do something he really loves. Drake hopes that more students follow his lead into the skilled trades, because there are many high-paying opportunities out there for people who "aren't afraid to get their hands dirty." Skilled Trades and Opportunity Start a Chain Reaction of Kindness 14