When Young learned about the work one Quest student was doing in their community, he felt compelled to honor the student for giving back and connecting with the broader community.
Caiden Griffin, a fifth-grade student at Quest, was helping restore and rebuild the home of Malcolm X as the site was turned into a museum and its history was preserved. Griffin spoke about his involvement at one of the school’s Black History Month assemblies, and his work inspired Young to spread the recognition wider.
“I nominated him for the Communities In Schools Student of the Year,” Young said. “Honoring him with our own Community Service award was huge on so many levels.”
Young added he wants to continue handing out the award to students who are active in their communities and use Moral Focus™ to help make a difference. He said that giving these actions awareness will help inspire other students to give back.
“I think it’s a good challenge for the kids,” Young said. “This award is about performing acts of service around the school, outside of school, and fostering a sense of community on all fronts. It also fosters great teamwork.”
Young also secured a grant to bring in Caleb’s Kids, an organization that provides educational experiences for students and families focused on mental wellness. Middle-school students were invited to participate in engaging sessions about mental health awareness and substance abuse among other important topics for teens.
Students cycled through different classrooms, each featuring their own activity or discussion on a specific topic. While many of the sessions dove deep on important topics, students also received easy tips to help them navigate life. One exercise students learned was box breathing, a technique used to reset in times of anxiety or frustration.
“They broke into a lot of positive peer relationship techniques and emotional regulation strategies,” Young said. “They talked about what goes into having healthy relationships with classmates and teachers.”
Young added that the sessions paired well with Moral Focus™ virtues, especially integrity and compassion. Students learned more about supporting their classmates and doing the right thing, even when it might be hard.
The work for Young doesn’t stop with these two activities. He was also working to secure free books for K-2 students and was looking into adding a little library at the school. Young said he will continue to do everything he can to support Quest students, whether it’s through programming with organizations such as Caleb’s Kids, or a simple high five in the hallway.
“I always want to help however I can,” Young said. “I just want to do my best to support my team, our school, and our students.”
Keep up the great work, Mr. Young!
About Quest Charter Academy
Quest Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Taylor, Michigan, serving students in kindergarten through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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