Let's Change the World -- Crown Optional

In our area, the YWCA hosts an award program, recognizing Women and Young Ladies of Excellence, in various categories from Advocacy to Education to Arts & Culture. This year, I was honored to be nominated in the category of Education. On the day of the awards ceremony, the school I work at went over the top to celebrate their assistant principal being in the running for an award. At the beginning of the school day, our secretary declared the day was Dr. Clark, Jackson Primary Woman of the Year Day on the morning announcements, and I was presented with a trophy, a sash and (I kid you not) a crown to wear all day. 


I was also given two large binders -- one filled with notes from every student in the school, and the other filled with notes from my staff. 


I was truly stunned. We continued on with the day, with me wearing my sash and crown, of course. Then, 10 AM came, and our secretary again came on the announcements to introduce a student who wanted to read their letter about me to the whole school. This happened every hour on the hour! The students worked so hard on their letters, and they were proud to share them. 

Later, during 3rd grade lunch, the students all sang the US Air Force song to me, because they know my son is an Airman. We just had a Veterans Day assembly, which I happened to miss because I was supporting a student, so teachers coordinated to have the kids sing during lunch instead. 

It truly was a magical day. I felt uncomfortable being in the spotlight like that, and I said as much at one point. A staff member replied, "You are on stage all the time!" But, as I told them, it's not the same. I don't mind being a character and telling a story in a show. I don't do the work I do in my real life for applause or attention. 

As the day went on, though, and I saw the pride and love on the students' faces, I shifted my perspective. When I heard things like, "I want to win an award someday like you, Dr. Clark," and "I am so proud you are my principal, Dr. Clark!" I realized this was much more than a recognition for me -- it was for all of us. The children witnessed a female leader being celebrated, possibly planting the seed for many future leaders. They learned an important lesson in expressing gratitude for those who educate them. They saw all the adults in our building come together to celebrate our collective success. 

The next day, I was able report back that I did indeed win the 2024 YWCA Woman of Excellence in Education Award, which was truly a shock to me, considering the incredible women doing incredible work in the same category. 



At the conclusion of the ceremony, an overview of the work being done by our Northcentral YWCA was presented, including a video with testimonials of women whose lives have been changed through the services provided for the homeless. Our local chapter has served thousands of people in the past year alone, from assisting with protection from abuse orders to housing to food and clothing. Our YWCA also hosts a "Cinderella's Closet" in the spring, where young girls are able to find affordable prom dresses. 

If you are reading this and you are local, please go to https://www.ywcawilliamsport.org/ to find out more. If you are able, please consider volunteering your time or donating supplies. November is Homelessness Awareness Month, and right now, we are collecting personal hygiene items for the YWCA Huts of Hope. 

(I shared a post on Facebook about this donation drive. In typical Jackson Primary style, when I came to work the next day, there were 3 different bags of items on my desk to add to the donations.)

If you aren't local, search for the YWCA closest to you and look for ways to help. That's how we will change the world for the better -- by looking for ways to help, whether we get an award (or a crown!) for it or not. 



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