Garces Homecoming October 9, 2009

Tonight I was honored at my former High School. It was Homecoming at Garces Memorial High School. I took photos with the homecoming court. It brought back fond memories of all the homecoming activities that I took part in during my 4 years there. GMHS will always have a special place in my heart. Go RAMS.

Mr. Keller's 5th Grade Class

Make a Smilebox photobook

This week I was asked to come back to Heritage Academy and speak to the 2nd and both 5th grade classrooms. It was nice to see the familiar faces around campus and get a chance to talk with old friends and former students. I shared the story about Esther with the 2nd graders and they really enjoyed hearing it. I tried to help them understand that making the right choice is not easy and it can be as simple as being nice to the student sitting next to them. A simple concept I know, but sometimes we forget that our actions are sometimes stronger than words. For the 5th grade classrooms I talked about peer pressure. We discussed being a leader or a follower. Doing what everyone else is doing and doing the right thing. As children grow into teenagers, the simple lessons we talked about will hit home for them. I wrapped up both classes with some great question's and photographs.

Heritage Academy October 15,2009

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

This past week I had the opportunity to bring Character Counts to Heritage Academy. Heritage Academy is very special to me because it is where I taught 6th grade. I was able to talk with a 1st, 3rd and 4th grade class about the importance of making the right choices even when it is hard. The character trait I focused on was RESPECT and even when it is difficult we need to treat others the way we want to be treated. Given that Heritage is a Christian school I was able to incorporate the story of Queen Esther into my talk. Showing the kids that even a Queen in time of trial had to have courage and stand up for what was right. It was a good lesson for the children to hear and a great reminder to me that just becasue you have a crown dose not mean that your life will be without challenges, but to always trust in God and the plan that he has for me.

Character Counts Awards Assembly

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

Today I attended a Character Counts Awards Assembly at Tompkins Elementary School in Tehachapi. Almost five hundred students took part in the outdoor gathering. During the month of September the students learned about defining character and what it means. It was a joy to see their smiling faces. The K thru 5th graders were excited about their awards. I then spoke to the children about what character is to me and how I applaud that they are learning about it. I reminded them that character has nothing to do with how you look but how you act and treat others. Simply put, it is making the right decision even when no one is around to see.

Article from Bakersfield Californian Newspaper

This is the article that the newspaper did on me after returning home from the pageant. It is so exciting to have the local support of the newspaper and the Bakersfield community.