R-E-S-P-E-C-T! Find Out What It Means to Me!

Last Friday, Carl and I ventured to Hart Elementary School in East Austin to support and encourage the Early Act First Knight program. This isn’t new for Carl, as his Rotary Club sponsors the initiative, alongside Lady Amber, whose heart is dedicated to building up young minds.

Rotarian Mary Reynolds, the coordinator of the program for the Rotary Club, was there as well, accompanied by her grandson, Beau Henry. It was heartwarming to see Beau witness this beautiful ceremony. That’s Beau in the photo with Carl and me and Lady Amber. Carl has attended many of these events, which take place monthly in five different elementary schools across Austin.

We watched as pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students sit with their individual classes on the floor. Lady Amber began by stressing the importance of respect — for each other, their families, and their communities.

Then, each homeroom teacher gave a brief synopsis of just why that child was selected for exemplifying respect. I’ll admit it was emotional for the parents, teachers and me!

When their names were called, the children receiving the “respect” honor, walked to the stage, accompanied by the cheers of their schoolmates who didn’t receive an award.

Best of all, was the surprised look on the children’s faces when they were surprised to see their parents come from behind the curtains to reward them with love through balloons, flowers, and signs. The joy on their faces was unforgettable.

Respect is one of the ten character traits highlighted in the Rotary program. The others include honesty, tolerance, perseverance, compassion, confidence, responsibility, service, discipline, and friendliness. Carl was wearing his rotarians’ shirt.

It was touching to see the profound impact this program can have on young minds—helping to shape them into “respectable” young people. What a difference it makes for children to not only learn their ABCs, math, history and other subjects, but also to receive the “goods” that will keep making them good!

I am so grateful for the devoted teachers, leaders, and programs like this, which will surely make a lasting difference in shaping future generations.

Is this what we need to raise up a generation of kind, generous and respectable young people who will help us turn our nation into one of character and respect? What if we had programs like this for the adults in our world?