Illinois
School for the Visually Impaired
658 East State Street • Jacksonville, Illinois
62650-2130
Toll Free: 800-919-5617 • Voice: 217-479-4400 • TTY: 217-479-4415 • Fax:
217-479-4479
www.isvi.net • E-mail:
ISVI
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By Reggie Clinton -
Superintendent ISVI Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Angel Tree party that included Illinois School for the Visually Impaired (ISVI) and Illinois School for the Deaf (ISD) students. This party is where adults "adopt" students at the two schools and purchase gifts for them for the holidays. It was evident upon arriving that there was excitement in the air! The students were waiting anxiously for the arrival of Santa Claus and to begin the party. It is neat to see the excitement, the hope and the energy of kids everywhere this time of year. Needless to say the party was a huge success. Students opened their gifts and immediately began checking out the contents. Then they enjoyed decorating their own cup cakes and eating them with ice cream. What was even more exciting for me was the thought of the adults who picked these students and purchased items for them without ever meeting them. They just knew they wanted to make this time of year a little more exciting for someone. As adults it allows us to reflect on a time when everything was still a mystery to us. We are able to remember how we were excited as kids and the abounding energy this time of year brings. After I left this party I drove across town thinking about how each season brings a renewed spirit of hope to our lives. As we are beginning to enter the cold and snowy winter season now, soon we will emerge into the spring. With spring comes new life, warmer temperatures and an abundance of colors. That will soon be followed by summer and then fall. Each season has its own unique energy and magic. Right now there are many who are struggling with making ends meet due to the economy and special circumstances we all face. Budgets are tight and we all are looking for ways to make dollars stretch a little further, be it at work or at home. Yet at the same time there is hope. Hope that soon we will emerge into a new season that leads to better things. I encourage each of us to look for ways to help those around us who may be struggling. Reach out and be that ray of hope, that smile that warms a heart or that source of energy that renews us in the changing seasons. For as I walked away from that party realizing how complete strangers reached out to our students, it renewed my hope in the human spirit. Each of us can make a difference in the lives of others. Regardless of the current economic times, we all have the ability and talents that can brighten the lives of others. I encourage each of us to do just that regardless of how small or large the gesture may be. Happy Holidays Everyone!! |
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