Hubbard students make fall trek to Fairhaven
Trending
NILES — For the 14th year, students from Hubbard High School’s Future Educators of America traveled to Niles for their annual Art Day with Fairhaven School students.
Fairhaven principal Dr. Michelle Ocilka-Yeckle has continued the tradition from her predecessors, Rosanne Morell and Sandra Kernan, by opening their doors to welcome hundreds of high school students to experience the world their staff is part of everyday.
This year, nearly 50 students made the trip and worked not only on art projects, but as aides to help with any task the classroom teachers and aides needed. From sensory activities, arts and crafts, learning stations and recess, the Hubbard students were fully immersed with students from the preschool program to students their own age.
“While traveling from classroom to classroom to check on our students and ask the staff if they needed anything, one woman approached me and thanked us for coming, saying the kids love it when we come and how kind our students are to their kids,” said Hubbard High School art teacher and FEA adviser Josh MacMillan. “I thanked her and told her I was lucky to have so many kids willing to be a part of this experience.”
MacMillan said what the teacher said next really hit where it meant the most.
“No you do not understand; nobody comes and treats our kids as good as yours do,” she told him.
“That meant more than anything I could have expected to hear,” MacMillan said.
Senior Madison Anthony said, “Going to Fairhaven, to me, isn't just a day to miss school. It's a day to put a smile on someone's face and work alongside them, whether that means helping hand over hand, encouraging them, or simply complimenting their work. Over the years, going to Fairhaven has taught me the importance of patience, kindness and respect.
“I have learned that something as small as having a conversation or just helping out can make such a big difference in someone's day. Every trip that is made there I am reminded that everyone deserves to feel included, valued and appreciated. It has shown me that sometimes the most meaningful experiences come from the simplest moments. I am always leaving feeling grateful that someone like me had the opportunity to make someone's day a little brighter,” Anthony said.
Senior and FEA Secretary Jeralynn Rudiak said, “I have had the opportunity to go on several FEA field trips the past couple of years. Every year, it just keeps getting better and better. From the moment I arrive, I feel welcomed and included, and everyone makes an effort to ensure that each visit is a memorable one. Not only the kind faculty, but the amazing students at Fairhaven make it so enjoyable.
“Everyone creates such a positive and encouraging environment, and it's easy to see how much they care about their students and their success. I'm so grateful for the opportunities I've had to visit and learn more about Fairhaven, and each trip has made me even more excited about the possibility of being part of such a wonderful community,” Rudiak said.
Hubbard students will return in February for their second trip of the year with plans to continue using new inventive ways and projects for the students and staff at Fairhaven School.