Sonora Heads EAST!

I don't even know where to begin.  This last week has been an absolute whirlwind with the highlight spent with 10 Sonora EAST students, 2 other chaperones, and one EAST Facilitator at the EAST Conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  This was my second conference to attend.  Yet, a completely different experience.  You see, the first conference I attended in 2011 was to investigate what "EAST" was and if I wanted to pursue having this program at the new elementary school in Sonora.  After that experience I KNEW we wanted the Sonora students to have the EAST Experience.  At that time, I still did not know what that experience would mean.

For those of you who don't know, EAST stands for Environmental and Spatial Technology.  Students in 2nd - 5th grade are chosen to be in the EAST classroom housed at Sonora.  It is a pull-out program where the children leave class to attend EAST.  The goal of EAST, from it's creator, Tim Stephenson, was to provide students with live event learning experiences that would ultimately give back to the community and solve problems - real problems - through the use of the latest technology.  Please take some time perusing the EAST Initiative Webpage for more background.  I promise that you will not be disappointed!

As you know, Sonora opened our doors in 2011, so we have only been in existence for 1.5 years.  Yet, in that time our EAST Program (as well as many other programs), has excelled!  Last year I was unable to attend the first EAST Conference with Sonora Students.  At the awards ceremony our program was given a SUPERIOR rating in our first year!

We were overjoyed with this success and knew that our program would grow to serve more children and excel beyond our wildest dreams.  Yet, the next day I was notified that at closing ceremonies our students and program were honored with the Rising STAR Award!  This award says, "the future of EAST."  It's the EAST Program to watch - the up and coming program. 

 

Just as the EAST Staff predicted with the Rising Star Award our students again rose to the top, as we knew they would!  Prior to going to conference the finalists for the Founder's Award were announced.  This is the most prestigious award given by EAST in recognition of the contributions of Tim Stephenson the founder of EAST.  Yes, Sonora was one of 5 finalist out of over 200 programs in the country!  In addition to this exciting news it was announced that no other elementary had ever been a finalist!  Hoot, hoot to Sonora!

 

 As you can see, we were in a very elite group of students much older than most of our team members, which were in 3rd grade!  Our elementary students were SO well-behaved and prepared at the conference.  I almost forgot that they were elementary students.  It is amazing the preparation that 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students put into this conference, presentation, and award process.  Actually, it was probably much more than most adults have experienced. 

Two students, Austin and Jillian, gave a presentation speech to leaders and friends in the EAST Program. Most adults I know could NOT do that!  They did it with grace, confidence, and poise!  They had many times to prepare, including in front of the Springdale School Board and our entire family of Sonora Scholars! They were ready!  Students prepared posters, videos, business cards, and other items to represent their service projects over the last year. 

Brayden and Landen explaining their service projects! 
Don't they look so professional?

 

Three of our students received Difference Maker Coins! 
These coins are given out by EAST Staff and EAST Student Leadership Teams. 

 

In addition to receiving Superior Ratings, Sonora's EAST Program also won the "Expand Your Horizons" Award from the Center for Advanced Spatial Technologies (CAST).  This is going to provide time from the CAST Staff working directly with our students!

 

Here is the screen announcing the winners at opening ceremonies!

Here are our Scholars with the CAST Team!  We look
 forward to working with you ladies!

Austin receiving the Sonora
EAST Program's Superior Rating Award!

 

 We can without a doubt call our first two years with the EAST Program a success!  Yet, at the end of the evening our mentors from across town won the overall Founder's Award, which they rightly deserve.  Congratulations Har-Ber High School! 

 

For a more detailed version of the play by play with the students and all their activities, please take some time to view Part 1 (of 3 parts) of Mr. Worthy's Sonora EAST Blog!  It is sure to make you laugh, smile, and reflect.

 

Through this entire process our EAST students taught me a lot . . .

•  It is ok to be sad when you lose, but you take time to congratualte those who helped you achieve your accomplishments!  Many of our students have never experienced defeat.  This was the first time, and they were away from home and their parents.  Yet, even through their tears, they took time and went to congratulate Har-Ber High Students.  At the same time, the young men and women from Har-Ber came off the stage from a major award acceptance to check on our students! Many of the Har-Ber EAST Team had tears in their eyes as they loved on our Sonora Scholars.  That was a blessing for me to see!
• A little yogurt goes a long way to help you forget about your disappointment!  Yes, we went to Orange Leaf to get some yogurt after the evening awards ceremony.  It seemed to bring a smile to many faces that were sad and tired.  Yep, it even made me feel better.  :-)

 

• Focus on the positive!  During the three days at conference (first time away from home for many of our elementary students), the students received numerous commendations, compliments, and awards.  Each student took turns sharing an example of all the great things we were taking back, as well as how we represented our school.  I was one proud principal!
• Every day is an opportunity to give back and win!   They told me it was not about the winning, although they would have like to win, they had a great time.  The children began to share how their projects were serving the community.  During the conference they were able to visit other schools and interview.  They were excited about projects they had learned about, while already pondering how it could positively impact our community! 

These children and their facilitator continue to be a constant source of pride for me, as their principal, as well as our school and community.  I can not wait to see what our program accomplishes in our community over the course of the next few years.  Sonora watch out!  I am also pretty sure our students will be representing Sonora well next year at the EAST Conference.  Stay tuned . . .

In the meantime come visit EAST at Sonora to hear from the students about how they are making a difference in their community.  We look forward to seeing you!