Published On: Mon, Mar 19th, 2012

Verde Teachers of Tomorrow promote opportunities for disabled

BOCA RATON — The Teachers of Tomorrow at Verde Elementary School in Boca Raton have been working with the Stand among Friends Organization to help promote opportunities for the disabled.

Stand among Friends assists people with disabilities to live a life without limits and experience the highest degree of independence and success in their communities. The organization is located on the campus of Florida Atlantic University, in the disability center.

The sponsor, Candice Brodie, has been actively involved with the Teachers of Tomorrow by making others aware that just because someone looks a certain way or has a disability does not mean that they are different — just unique.  It is spinning off into an Anti-Bullying campaign to “Take a Stand among Friends” and stand up for others and get rid of bullying. With the help of quingo mobility scooters, they are enabled to move with safety and comfortably.

Brodie welcomed Shawn Friedkin, the CEO of Stand among Friends, as a guest speaker at one of the Teachers of Tomorrow meetings.  Shawn was in a car accident which left him paralyzed and confined to a wheel chair.  The students were able to have a question and answer session with Shawn.   This was a wonderful way for the students to get a better understanding about Stand among Friends and how this organization provides opportunities for people with disabilities.

Shawn was also a speaker at one of Verde’s faculty meetings to share his story and raise awareness of about Stand among Friends.

Brodie held fundraisers at Verde for Stand among Friends, from Ghost Gram sales to having the entire school contribute with the monthly Jeanerosity Day.  Brodie created a Team Verde that was involved in the first annual Emb(race) for Stand among Friends.

Last year Verde participated as “Team Verde Elementary” in the first annual Emb(race) for Stand among Friends. This race is open to any and all Verde families that want to participate and show their support.

Brodie created, once again, “Team Verde Elementary” and participated in the 2nd annual Emb(race) on Feb. 26, 2012 on FAU’s campus.  The Emb(race) is a community wide event that came about as an opportunity for all in the community to come together to learn about each other and to embrace our differences as individuals.

The day focused on everyone’s abilities and celebrated the uniqueness of us all.   Brodie ran the 5K and came in in the top 5 in her age group.  The students, parents and staff that participated walked in the 1 mile Family Walk.

The total amount of money raised and donated was more than $1500.

For more information, contact Candice Brodie at
candice.brodie@palmbeachschools.org.

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