Heartfelt Story At Whitney Elementary School

 I love the story about what Justin Bieber did for Whitney Elementary school in Las Vegas.  I’m not sure how it all came about but Bieber was on the “Ellen” show back in November and promised to visit underprivileged students in one of the Las Vegas school districts.  Not only did he bring gifts for all of the kids, but he also donated a check in the amount of $100,000.00 to the school. Bieber 17 years old, got emotional and choked up after the principal said, “This is the first time they’re gonna go home and want to go home for the holidays”.  While Bieber’s heartfelt act set the tone for the holidays, he also performed at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.

Whitney Elementary School’s Principal

Behind the limelight is an amazing principal who has helped these students day-to-day.  Whitney Elementary is a school where 85 % of the school, more than 600 students qualify for free lunch.  Many of the students live in homes without heat, electricity or running water. Sherrie Gahn, the principal has helped to give donations of food, clothing and other basic necessities to the families.  Her efforts have not gone unnoticed.  Gahn has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars towards books and supplies for the school and toys for the children during the holidays.  Gahn has only been there for eight years and has had a huge impact on the students and their school.

Amazing Local Principal

Sherrie Gahn at Whitney Elementary reminds me of a local Principal who gives of her time freely and is very passionate about her students’ well-being and education.  Sue O’Neil is the Principal at Jane Stenston Elementary School in Skokie.  Her dedication to the school’s reading program has her picking a student’s name out of a box and reading books to the student at their home on a monthly basis.  She is very involved with each and every student at Jane Stenson.  Almost half of the children qualify for free lunch yet she maintains 100% parent involvement at the school.  Test scores are a sure indication of her and her staff’s hard work.  I was touched to hear that every Christmas Sue organizes a collection of donations for underprivileged families.  She shops, wraps, and helps to deliver the gifts to her students and their families. This is a very special school. You are a great mentor Sue!

Do you know a teacher or principal who inspires you? Share your story with us.