Pride Patrol Returns to Action to Honor Instructional Coach Tara Welch of Springer Elementary
The cause is near and dear to their hearts, and they are dedicated to seeing it continue as long as possible. In their first outing of the year, the Heath Pride Patrol journeyed to Springer Elementary on October 20th to spring a surprise upon Instructional Coach Tara Welch. It was a day of double-duty for the Heath students—carving out time to honor a local hero while participating in the Homecoming Theme day of “Toward Your Future Tuesday.” Some were dressed as geriatrics; others portrayed themselves in the uniforms of their desired career paths.
The objective remains the same: to recognize unsuspecting individuals who quietly go about their jobs each day, making a difference and contributing to the successes of others on their campuses.
“We have 2 Instructional Coaches who work tirelessly with our teachers and students. I ask a great deal of them, and they never disappoint me, or complain. Without them, there is no way our school would be as effective as it is. They definitely deserve more recognition than they receive. I would just want them to know that I appreciate them being the heart and soul of our instructional program here at Springer!” Principal Brad Helmer said.
Junior Mackenzie Lewis is new to the Pride Patrol group.
“It was really exciting to go and be a part of Pride Patrol. Seeing the teacher smile really my day and made me proud to be a Hawk,” Lewis said.
Returning to participate in Pride Patrol for a 2nd year, Senior Britton Swanson shared her feelings, saying,
“I’m super excited to be starting up Pride Patrol for our second year. It’s by far a top favorite organization I’m involved in at Heath.”
Newcomer Brenda Bazaldua, Heath Junior, said,
“It’s so fun being a part of Pride Patrol because you get to see the smile on the faces of the people we recognize!”
Honoree Welch was extremely appreciative and surprised when the group showed up at her door.
“I am honored to work for such a great campus with fabulous teachers and principals. Springer teachers work harder than anyone around. I think Steve Jobs says it best: ‘Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do.’ I LOVE education and LOVE what I do!”
This was the Pride Patrol’s first visit to Springer Elementary. The group has set a goal of visiting several campuses it has not yet visited in addition to returning to others and will continue to stage more surprises throughout the school year.
“Being a part of Pride Patrol really makes my day—getting to see an RISD employee being thanked (is awesome),” Sophomore Cassidy Wells said.
Photo Caption: Pride Patrol Members, Left to Right: Cassidy Wells, Sage Wells, Britton Swanson, Mackenzie Lewis, Katie Hagopian, and Brenda Bazaldua, with Springer honoree Tara Welch
Article and Photo by Leah Voth, RHHS Pride Patrol Advisor