The Student Ambassadors of Blytheville Elementary School who assisted the student-athletes that participated in the Feb. 21 Area XIII Special Olympics “Run, Dribble and Shoot” competition were (front row, from left) Michae Chew, Sa’Brea Robey, Curtasia Willis, Matilyn Hodges-Rushing, Ny’Kemi Newmy, Ladonna King, Jadiss Jackson, (middle, from left) A’Brea Jones, Alyssa Warren, Aniyah Cantu, Cherish Tyler, McKinley Walker, Ty’Rica King, (in back, from left) Jaxton Barrett, Matthew Selvy, Brandon Elliott, Shalen Gillespie and Tradarius Luster.
By DAVID COOKE
Blytheville Schools PR Dir.
One of the ways the Blytheville Elementary School Student Ambassadors “give back” to their school is by participating in community service projects, and their latest project was serving at the Area XIII Special Olympics’ “Run, Dribble and Shoot” basketball games at the BHS Gym.
The Student Ambassadors, said BES teacher Ashley Whitley, are selected by their classroom peers. Students campaign at the beginning of every school year about why they believe they would be the best representatives for their particular class, placing flyers in the hallways and talking about their attributes. Before the students vote, the prospective “ambassadors” give a speech about themselves in front of the classroom. Several classroom teachers assist with the Student Ambassadors.
The Student Ambassadors for this school year are Tradarius Luster, Ladonna King, Curtasia Willis, A’Brea Jones, Jaxson Barrett, McKinley Walker, Ny’Kemi Newmy, Matthew Selvy, Alyssa Warren, Matilyn Hodges-Rushing, Aniya Cantu, Shalen Gillespie, Sa’Brea Robey, Brandon Elliott, Michae Chew, Jadiss Jackson, Cherish Tyler and Ty’Rica King.
The criteria to run for Student Ambassador is based on good attendance and following the BES ‘PRIDE’ expectations. ‘PRIDE’ is personal responsibility, respect, integrity, discipline and being engaged.
Student Ambassadors are the “voice” behind what the student body would like to see in the school. They have provided input for celebrations, dances and service projects. Some of their duties as school representatives have included greeting parents for Honors assemblies, assisting with the delivery of Valentines Grams and being a peer buddy for students participating in the Area XIII Special Olympics.
Their next community service project will be collecting items that will be used by the Blytheville Humane Society volunteers. For this project to be successful the ambassadors are asking for the following items: Water bowls, paper towels, dog beds, toys for dogs and cats, leashes, collars, bleach, dishwashing liquid, laundry detergent, blankets, brooms, dust pans, mops, towels, large garbage bags and disposable gloves, and also monetary donations.
Contributions may be delivered to the Elementary School at 216 East Moultrie Drive by March 20.