Pictured are Miller Middle School students delivering gifts to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines on May 13. Front row, from left, Jakob Boriskey, Avery Case and Grace Collins. Back row, Natalie Duncan, Kyra Feldman and Stephanie Zavalza Flores.
A group of Miller Middle School Extended Learning Program students traveled to Blank Children’s Hospital in Des Moines on May 13 for a multi-faceted day of learning. Earlier in the year, the students received a $250 Project Jack grant. Originating in the Quad Cities area, Project Jack grants give junior high aged children the opportunity to “pay it forward” in any way they choose.
Miller Extended Learning Program students chose to use their grant to buy toys and games that could be utilized by the child life specialists at Blank Children’s Hospital.
In preparation for their visit, the students investigated both the child life profession and philanthropy. While at Blank, students met with Blank’s Director of Development who described Blank’s challenge to raise $4 million annually. The students also met with child life specialists who described their important role in the lives of Blank’s patients.
“The visit was a terrific opportunity for students to combine their learning and their leadership into one terrific final result,” said Miller Extended Learning Program teacher Ann Jackson.
