Envisioning Service, Part II

That’s the basic premise of Envision Richmond, a week-long program that enables Collegiate’s 8^th graders – divided into 13 groups – to enlighten themselves about the Central Virginia community, enhance their leadership and analytical skills, and develop a greater appreciation for the concept of compassionate service.

 

Their study ran the gamut from education to childhood hunger to foster care to immigration to mental health to the military to green space to cycling.

 

Today, students shared the results of their collaboration and design thinking with representatives of the agencies which they visited Tuesday.

 

That morning, the group studying First Responders traveled to the Henrico County Public Safety facility, then Fire Station 8 at the corner of Patterson and Forest, then the Tuckahoe Volunteer Rescue Squad on Horsepen Road.

 

At each venue, they heard presentations and personal stories that reflected challenges, joys, and life-altering moments which First Responders typically experience.

 

The common theme was, “We’re just doing our jobs.” The students thought that a tangible show of thanks was an appropriate and necessary.

 

The group focusing on law enforcement proposed monthly dinners to celebrate the positive work of police officers. The idea was to enlist community support and donations from businesses and individuals to underwrite their project. They even provided a cost-estimate. The outcome would be a series of feel-good events for officers, who would attend out of uniform and bring their families.

 

“Police officers put on their uniforms like superheroes do,” said Catherine Horner. “I didn’t really know how much they put their lives on the line for us. There’re tons of people out there who love the police, but they might not actually show the police that they like them. That’s what fueled our idea.”

 

Owen Fallon echoed her sentiment.

 

“People should respect police officers,” he said. “My biggest takeaway was how much they go through and how the public doesn’t always appreciate what they do. They’re not out to get us. They’re there to help us.”

 

The group studying EMT’s focused on the need for volunteers at the Tuckahoe Rescue Squad, which now has 70 regular volunteers and operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

“There’s a need there and anywhere that’s a volunteer-based rescue squad,” said Natalie Ford. “Our solution is to go to different high schools and tell them about this fair we were going to have. There would be ambulances. You could sign up for ride-alongs. There would be a Ferris wheel and bands playing on stage. Rescue squad members would be there to answer questions.”

 

Surprising to many who visited the rescue squad Tuesday is that its members serve without pay.

 

“I figured there was some compensation,” said Joshua Chilmaid. “It’s really interesting that people can spend so much time out of the good of their heart. It shows great character and dedication.”

 

The students’ proposals and presentations resonated with the First Responders in attendance today to evaluate and offer suggestions..

 

Lt. Charles Robinson, HCFD: “On Tuesday, they asked outstanding questions. They got deep into issues that face First Responders: everything from things we’ve seen to job responsibilities. They gave some good solutions and exhibited a desire to help the community they live in.”

 

Michael Hylton, Tuckahoe Rescue Squad: “They did an awesome job when they visited the station. I was impressed with how motivated they were. They asked amazing questions, getting in depth on what we do, how we deal emotionally, and the tolls that are taken on us. They took what we said to heart.”

 

Officer Jenifer Gough, HCPD: “They students were really interested in helping their community. The public safety event is a really good idea. In the community, I’ve found more positive interactions with people. I haven’t really found that negative attitude toward the police. A lot of how the public treats you is how you treat them. If you’re positive to the public, it comes back to you.”

 

Jason Stone, Collegiate’s director of security: “The common denominator is that these kids really care. There’s hope for the future. A lot of our kids are very fortunate. These field trips let them know that their reality isn’t the reality for everyone in the Greater Richmond area. Our kids feel compelled to help others.”

  -- Weldon Bradshaw