The Top 10 Can Do’s – Spring 2010!

All Cyclebetes student leaders embody the spirit of Can do!

They continually inspire me with their ingenuity, heart and (in many cases) resilience in the face of adversity.
In the spirit of Can do!  here are The Top 10 from Spring 2010!

1. Halley Skiffington – Sir John A MacDonald HS – Halifax –

Halley stepped up  to make a difference in her step brother Bradley’s life by leading the Cyclebetes student leadership team and driving the Spin-a-thon at Sir John A MacDonald. She demonstrated selflessness, leadership and heart!

2. Charles Best Secondary leadership team – Coquiltam, BC -

Students  sought out and  contacted Dr. Charles Best’s granddaughter in Ontario and asked  her to kick off the Spin-a-Thon at a  school wide assemble by skype! She delivered a deeply meaningful message to the student body. Students demonstrated ingenuity and creativity.

3. Jonathan Engleman- Vancouver, BC –

Jonathan wanted to lead a Spin-a-Thon at his school Notre Dame Regional in 2009. It was not possible then but school administrators promised Spring of 2010. Now as an  alumni of Notre Dame and a first year university student Jonathan conducted all promotion, recruitment and communication via facebook.  It appeared to be going well  as the 18 registered teams began arriving on Spin day.  BUT Jonathan realized the pledge forms and the concept of raising money for JDRF had been overlooked! He quickly devised a plan to hand out pledge forms on the spot and added a ‘telethon’ aspect to the event announcing new totals every hour of the 24 hour event. The Notre Dame Spin-a-Thon raised $9800.00. Jonathan demonstrated resilience, determination  and creativity in the face of adversity.

4. North Delta leadership team – North Delta, BC –

At the 12 hour Spin-a-Thon students added messages to the INBOX – a wall sized INBOX poster invited students to write on coloured post it notes and tell why they were participating. The INBOX told a meaningful and inspiring story and reinforced the purpose of Spin-a-Thon. North Delta Leaders showed creativity and purpose.

5. JN Burnett leadership team – Richmond, BC –

Students leaders created not just a Cyclebetes Spin-a-Thon and a funds and awareness drive for JDRF but presented a 12 hour long  talent show featuring hosts,  singers, dancers, songwriters, and musicians all students at JN Burnett.  The level of talent was jaw dropping! JN Burnett leaders demonstrated  extraordinary  school pride and spirit!

6. North Shore Super Spin – North and West Vancouver, BC –

Student leadership team brought together student leaders from 9 schools – uniting North and West Vancouver – public and private schools – making the Cyclebetes Spin-a-Thon a district wide event. NS Super Spin leaders did something that had never been done and united  two entire school districts in one common purpose.

7. Elgin Park leadership team – Surrey, BC. –

Cut backs made it impossible to ‘find’ start up cash to fund leadership t-shirts and the Spin-a-Thon Fueling Station. (The previous year the students council, teachers fund and Parent council all contributed to offset costs). The students ran a Mini -Community Spin in front of the local Tim Horton’s (with management permission) 6 weeks in advance of Spin-a-Thon. One student rode a stationary bike while several others handed out flyers. That day they raised over 500.00 and recruited a very special team – Team Intrepid. Team Intrepid was comprised of newly diagnosed type one families. Scott and his wife Lila  just happened to be walking by Tim Horton’s their 4 year son old Zack had been diagnosed with type one a few months earlier. They were filled with hope by what the Elgin students were doing, they went home and called other newly diagnosed families and entered a team – Team Intrepid. It was an Oh WOW / Can do kinda’ day! Elgin leaders demonstrated resourcefulness in the face of adversity and instilled enormous HOPE in 6 newly diagnosed type one families.

8. Arthur Voaden leadership team – St. Thomas, Ontario –

These student leaders are trailblazers they were the first school in Ontario to host a Cyclebetes Spin-a-Thon. They planned and executed a fantastically successful event. As a result of their work and the attention generated by the event Ontario is buzzing with Cyclebetes fever. Arthur Voaden leaders demonstrated courage and belief and their efforts have extended well beyond their school’s event! The success of their event is  beyond measure!

9. NS Super Spin – Wall of HOPE –

During the 24 hour Spin-a-Thon participants were  encouraged to  leave a message on the Wall of HOPE. It was thought provoking, inspiring and gave HOPE to all. NS Spin filled the hearts of all participants with HOPE – hope for the future – hope for a cure for type one – hope for a generation of make a difference teens.

10. Elgin Park leadership team –

Elgin was fortunate to have Breakfast TV cover their Spin-a-Thon in 2009. That coverage brought great attention to an important cause and showcased a school and student population with TONS of spirit. Would they come back in 2010? TV programs don’t normally cover an event twice.  So holding their breath Elgin asked (what did they  have to lose?). Breakfast TV said – We had so much FUN at your event last year – Can DO!!! Elgin leadership team demonstrated an unwavering  Can do! spirit from start to finish!

It was an exciting Spring Spin-a-Thon season! I truly have the very best job in the world!  Thank you sponsor teachers for your Can do mentorship and guidance and students for your no holds barred Can do Spirit!

I look forward to watching all of you grow and go on to accomplish more great things!

To quote Dr. Seuss “You’re off to great places – you’re off, off and away!”
All the very best to the Cyclebetes GRADS of 2010!
To everyone else see you in the Fall!

Author: Cheryl Wilson-Stewart Director of school initiatives. “Our responsibility is to mentor and support these young people they are outstanding!”  She is also the founder of Mindblasting and author of several creativity curriculum in use throughout the world, Cheryl is a consultant to both business and education sectors.

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