Teacher turns award into lasting gift for students
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SEATTLE -- It's amazing what six years of time and a check for $500 can do.
Back in 2006, Leslie Armstrong was chosen as Teacher of the Week by KOMO News. The award included a $500 check.
But the real story is what she's been able to do with that check. What started with a simple idea has grown to have a lasting impact on hundreds of kids at Kentwood High School every Friday morning.
President Woodrow Wilson once said, "No one can love his neighbor on an empty stomach."
"That has a lot to do with the underlying purpose for this," said Armstrong.
Every Friday, Armstrong turns her classroom into a breakfast hall.
"This Friday (tradition) is as much a gift to me as it is to them," she said.
It started six years ago when KOMO and the Mariners gave her $500. She asked her students how she should spend the money.
"And they wanted to have a meal together once a week, and I said, 'Guys, $500 -- we are going to blow through that in no time,"' said Armstrong.
They did it anyway.
It started with flapjacks for 15 kids.
"This classroom is not an industrial kitchen, although we turn out a pretty good breakfast with simple supplies," said Armstrong.
Soon kids who really needed a meal showed up, and the $500 was gone.
That's when volunteers stepped in. Vendors and Rotarians donated supplies, money.
"'Go and do the same is' what our motto is here," said Jim Tanasse, a volunteer with the Rotary Club of Covington. "There are a lot of kids that come through this line -- and you see them two or three times come through the line -- that wouldn't otherwise eat. And that's what we are really about doing."
Now Armstrong and her crew serve up to 200 kids every Friday morning.
"It's great to have breakfast in the morning and hangout with friends," said student Katie Berger.
Armstrong could have done anything with her $500 award. She chose the road less traveled.
"You know, biblically, you pass a basket, and it's not what you put in the basket to share; it's what comes out of the pockets of everybody that's inspired. And I think that's what really is happening," said Armstrong.
It's clear after seeing how students respond to her that she's a compassionate teacher who believes learning the lessons of life go way beyond the four walls of a classroom.
Back in 2006, Leslie Armstrong was chosen as Teacher of the Week by KOMO News. The award included a $500 check.
But the real story is what she's been able to do with that check. What started with a simple idea has grown to have a lasting impact on hundreds of kids at Kentwood High School every Friday morning.
President Woodrow Wilson once said, "No one can love his neighbor on an empty stomach."
"That has a lot to do with the underlying purpose for this," said Armstrong.
Every Friday, Armstrong turns her classroom into a breakfast hall.
"This Friday (tradition) is as much a gift to me as it is to them," she said.
It started six years ago when KOMO and the Mariners gave her $500. She asked her students how she should spend the money.
"And they wanted to have a meal together once a week, and I said, 'Guys, $500 -- we are going to blow through that in no time,"' said Armstrong.
They did it anyway.
It started with flapjacks for 15 kids.
"This classroom is not an industrial kitchen, although we turn out a pretty good breakfast with simple supplies," said Armstrong.
Soon kids who really needed a meal showed up, and the $500 was gone.
That's when volunteers stepped in. Vendors and Rotarians donated supplies, money.
"'Go and do the same is' what our motto is here," said Jim Tanasse, a volunteer with the Rotary Club of Covington. "There are a lot of kids that come through this line -- and you see them two or three times come through the line -- that wouldn't otherwise eat. And that's what we are really about doing."
Now Armstrong and her crew serve up to 200 kids every Friday morning.
"It's great to have breakfast in the morning and hangout with friends," said student Katie Berger.
Armstrong could have done anything with her $500 award. She chose the road less traveled.
"You know, biblically, you pass a basket, and it's not what you put in the basket to share; it's what comes out of the pockets of everybody that's inspired. And I think that's what really is happening," said Armstrong.
It's clear after seeing how students respond to her that she's a compassionate teacher who believes learning the lessons of life go way beyond the four walls of a classroom.
I have no idea where "Christianity" came into this, but what it really was a teacher that can think and listen and make decisions to solve a concern. Her idea has blossomed into something nice that might infect others to do the same. This country was built on people like her and I am sorry to say those people are now few and far between. You don't have to be "Christian, Muslim, Buddhist" or any other religion to have the ability to see a need and do something about a problem. I only wish there were more dedicated teachers out there instead of so many just interested in making money, not that teachers get paid all that much.Â
@LongBeachBum Her article claims Christinaity
"You know, biblically, you pass a basket, and it's not what you put in the basket to share; it's what comes out of the pockets of everybody that's inspired. And I think that's what really is happening," said Armstrong."Â Â Christians are blamed for judgement and division.. maybe we deserve it but please do not dismiss her claim to Christianity when it is good!
Now THAT'S what Christianity means, no matter what religion you may be. Â Where can we donate to help with this breakfast?
She had me until she had to throw in the religious nonsense. I still give her a huge thumbs up for what she's doing.
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 @Shelly What difference does it make where the motivation for good comes from?
 @comdown  @Shelly it makes a difference to those seeking something brighter than the darkness they might presently be living.Â
So perhaps you reject religion because you feel judged.... this is not a judgmental representation of Christianity. Or maybe you claim to not belive in anything... you belive in something whether it's yourself and your posessions or another higher power. What is it that you believe in?
LOVE THIS! This is what Christianity was meant to be.
It's nice to hear the bible quoted in the context of "I love HELPING and caring for other people!" instead of "You shouldn't be doing that and you're going to HELL because I don't approve of your lifestyle!!!"Â
Not hard to tell which ones are following Jesus and which ones are just trying to hide their hatred behind a religious label.
That is a wonderful story, I cant say that I would have spent the money the same way, but I know half of it would have gone toward a good cause somewhere. It is so nice hearing about compassion in people here. When I first moved here and saw the lack of caring people, I cried for hours apologizing to my son for moving us here. I of course made him the promise that when he no longer needs to go to children hospital, we will move back. I want to help by giving money to this teacher. So far she is the only one here that I have heard about that cares about everyone and its not all about me,me, me.
 @Just my say And yet, you used the word "I" eight times in this diatribe about selfish, uncaring people, and referred to yourself a total of 11 times.Â
 @Just my say Sorry you haven't encountered the right people yet - I guarantee there are thousands of warm, caring individuals here.  Sometimes you need to reach out.