Crawford Chronicles
YLP Newsletter | March 31, 2017 | Issue #4
YLP Feature: Sewfest Mission Trip
This past March IWA held its annual Sewfest event, where students,
families, and friends all came together for a beautiful cause. The unique event encouraged the IWA community to create pillowcase dresses and super-hero capes for children in need in the Dominican Republic. This event has allowed students to experience community and unification of the classes. Junior Julia O'Neil says, “Sewfest is not only an opportunity that allows me to connect with my IWA sisters, but it also allows me to feel a sisterhood with girls in another country.” Through Sewfest each individual can experiencing being a part of something greater than herself. The sisterhood we feel at school leapt across the world miles and miles away through this meaningful event.
The mission trip to deliver this year's dresses and capes was an unforgettable one. IWA girls who went on this trip experienced a deep-rooted connection with girls and boys from Cafe Con Leche, a school in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which we have come to build a relationship with. The mission trip allowed the students of both schools to experience a growth in community. IWA students took on a teaching role when speaking to the kids, but unexpectedly learned a lot from the children as well. In senior Mojo Mbue’s words, “I felt a genuine peace in the midst of the kids; the kids showed me how to love wholeheartedly.” Junior Brianna Villarreal says, “I was so overwhelmed by the kids' energy. The kids who greeted us that morning hadn't even met us yet but they hugged us anyways. Each morning when I woke up, I felt ready to go and reciprocated the joy that they showed me when I arrived.” The kids at Cafe Con Leche made a big impact on our students, which shows us how much we can do with all the resources we are are provided with.
Thanks to all who helped to make Sewfest and the mission trip a success!
Student Spotlight
Smoothie Queen
The girls in Mr. K’s Leading with Business class this semester were handed the torch for carrying on the success of IWA student-run businesses. Seeing as summer and the hot weather were just around the corner, they decided to sell something nice and cold-- smoothies! These girls deserve the spotlight, not because their smoothies are scrumptious and delicious (though they most certainly are!), but because of the impact they hope to make on the IWA community. All proceeds from Smoothie Queen will go towards an scholarship fund, benefiting one of our very own IWA sisters based on nominations from faculty and staff at the end of the year. This scholarship will help an IWA student pay for her education, so that she can continue to be part of our loving community-- hence the slogan “Blended Benefits.” Thanks to all the Smoothie Queen managers and employees for all their hard work thus far!!
Team Updates
Leadership Development Team
The Leadership Development team hosted the Spring into Leadership Retreat this past month! The retreat, themed "Mission Possible," was a huge success and helped our IWA students learn about their leadership strengths and set goals for themselves.
The retreat was preparation for the team as they gear up for Look N' Lead 2017. They are excited to share the awesome content from the retreat with middle schoolers when they come out to IWA for the conference in early April.
Freshman Team
Upcoming Events
APRIL 1: Look 'n Lead Conference from 10am- 4pm
APRIL 3: Begin signup for 2017 Leadercast (4/3-4/13)
APRIL 5: Deadline to return 2017-18 YLP participation forms
APRIL 21: PwC Leadership Event for Seniors (permission slips due 4/17)
APRIL 24: Class of 2017 Distinguished Leaders Recognized (at Academic Awards Night)
APRIL 26: Listen n' Lead - Mrs. Genny Winter
April 28: Foundation Day!
MID-LATE APRIL: YLP Director Interviews
MAY 5: Leadercast (stay tuned)