Published: December 01, 2006 07:53 pm            

EXTRA MILERS: Masters in student housing

Area women succeed in coordinating council conference in Clarksville

“Perseverance is a great element of success. If you only knock long enough and loud enough at the gate, you are sure to wake up somebody.” — Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Their duties lasted far into each night. It seemed the work would never end. Others would have winced, thrown up their hands and quit once there was an acceptable solution to their mission.

However, Stacy Sillings, Melissa Badger and Chrissie Lewis were not satisfied with merely acceptable solutions. They persevered and stayed with their mission until there was nothing more to be done. They drew determination from their devotion to their school and their love of children.

These Extra Milers were the primary organizers and contacts to provide housing for more than 1,000 high school students attending the Indiana Association of Student Council State Conference. They responded, one by one, to hundreds of calls, faxes, and email responses to find and arrange two nights of safe housing and transportation for the student council members. Even before the housing was completed, the trio began working with hundreds of requests for replacements and cancellations. As the phones kept ringing late into the night, these women never lost sight of the importance of their goal. The work was for the students and the results of their efforts would either reflect positively or poorly on our Southern Indiana community. These Extra Milers were simply not going to let down the students, their school, or their community. They were determined to find the best possible lodging for the students converging on Southern Indiana with pillows, sleeping bags, suitcases and high spirits.

Typical of an Extra Miler, Melissa Badger felt undeserving and would have preferred that Chrissie Lewis, a former Clarksville Student Council President, and Stacy Sillings, a Special Education teacher and Assistant Student Council Adviser, receive the recognition. I have come to expect this of our Extra Milers.

Melissa, Clarksville High School’s Student Council Adviser, wanted it told that many people came together in the community to ensure the students were made to feel comfortable and welcome. She specifically named Frani Perry and Cindy Collins as being pivotal to the success of the conference. Melissa added that they also had help with housing from the Clarksville High School faculty, staff and students, along with New Albany High School, First Christian Church, American Red Cross, Tri-Kappa, Inc., YMCA, Altrusa International, Leadership Southern Indiana and many more. “This was a true team effort by our community,” Melissa said, “The larger community pitched in to make this a positive event for all of Southern Indiana.”

My husband and I were delighted to host five students. Since we have raised a son, our request was to place girls in our home. The young women assigned to us ranged from 14 to 17 and were friendly, professional, and appreciative — great qualities to be a leader. Anyone would be proud to have them as daughters. Listening to them chat excitedly about the conference workshops, their future plans for college and of course guys (apparently a “better looking” group than in the past), revealed that not much has truly changed through the years. These young women illuminated our home during their brief visit and we were happy to glimpse the future of our country in their capable hands.

Just how did Clarksville High School end up hosting the convention? Melissa advised, “Nobody else stepped up to host for 2006. We were approached by the State and accepted their request, knowing it wouldn’t be easy.” Our Extra Milers said they were humbled by this experience as all of Indiana watched Clarksville High School and the community pull together and work as a successful team.

One of the young women in our home stated, “We were absolutely shocked when we heard that itty-bitty Clarksville High School would be hosting this state conference.” She added, “We are still a little surprised that they pulled it off.” Melissa, Stacy, and Chrissie, and all who worked so hard to ensure success, know that you truly did, “pull it off.” Thanks to each of you for being Southern Indiana Extra Milers!

• KINDNESS TIP OF THE MONTH: I recently spoke with one of my son’s former elementary school teachers, Mrs. Lawson. She immediately asked about Jeff and we exchanged updates. She then told me that he had sent her a note when he was in high school, telling her she was one of his favorite teachers and why. It was school assignment. She said the note was very special. Send a letter or card to a former teacher, telling him or her how much she/he inspired you. (If the teacher is no longer at the same school or retired, the administrative office may be able to forward your letter.)

Carol A. Dawson is a resident of Jeffersonville and president of a national training and consulting company, EEO Guidance, Inc . If you have seen or been a part of an act of kindness or know an extra miler, let us know about it. To submit a story or act of kindness, contact Carol via email: Extra.Milers@newsandtribune.com or send mail to: The Extra Milers, The Evening News, 221 Spring St., Jeffersonville, IN 47130-3340.

        

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