Passion Project sends Oliver H. to Washington
Source/Author: Raffi Darrow, Ebytes Editor
March 02, 2017
The eighth grade Passion Project is a Shorecrest tradition that began in 2007. Kathryn Jeakle, an eighth grade teacher, describes the Passion Project as, “a moment in our Middle School that gives our students a chance to showcase something they are passionate about. It is about what excites them, something they want to spend the extra time on, something they have wanted to do but never had the chance to complete.”
Introduced just before Winter Break, the Passion Project is a semester-long, in-depth exploration into an area of each student’s choosing. The projects have varied widely over the years. Shorecrest students have self-published books, built instruments from scratch, raised guide dogs or learned a new craft. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in service-related projects.
The Passion Project will culminate in a year-end expo where students can showcase their projects for their teachers, classmates and parents. "It’s an evening to celebrate each other,” says Head of Middle School Jonathan Davis.
Eigth grader Oliver H. has begun a Passion Project which involves aiding a Syrian refugee family fleeing persecution to resettle in Florida. "Race and religion should not be the determining factor of having a better life," he said. Oliver’s work was highlighted in a letter he sent to Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg), expressing concern that the current political environment might hamper his efforts to help a Syrian family in need. On February 23, Congressman Crist announced that Oliver H. would be his guest for the following Tuesday's Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress.
Introduced just before Winter Break, the Passion Project is a semester-long, in-depth exploration into an area of each student’s choosing. The projects have varied widely over the years. Shorecrest students have self-published books, built instruments from scratch, raised guide dogs or learned a new craft. In recent years, there has been a marked increase in service-related projects.
The Passion Project will culminate in a year-end expo where students can showcase their projects for their teachers, classmates and parents. "It’s an evening to celebrate each other,” says Head of Middle School Jonathan Davis.
Eigth grader Oliver H. has begun a Passion Project which involves aiding a Syrian refugee family fleeing persecution to resettle in Florida. "Race and religion should not be the determining factor of having a better life," he said. Oliver’s work was highlighted in a letter he sent to Congressman Charlie Crist (D-St. Petersburg), expressing concern that the current political environment might hamper his efforts to help a Syrian family in need. On February 23, Congressman Crist announced that Oliver H. would be his guest for the following Tuesday's Presidential Address before a Joint Session of Congress.
“I was honored to be invited by the Congressman and his staff. They were incredible. Being included at the speech with other guests who were immigrants and refugees was remarkable,” said an enthusiastic Oliver after his trip to Washington DC.
“During my time in DC, I had a tour of Congress and the Capitol Building. I saw Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) deliver a speech. I met Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) at dinner on Monday. He was so nice and wanted to hear about my project. Tuesday, we used the underground tunnel system to get from the Cannon House Office Building to the Capitol Building for a reception with Leader Nancy Pelosi. Just being in a room with so many people that control how our country works and operates was almost overwhelming. After the speech I was taken to the National Statuary Hall, where many news networks were filming interviews. I actually walked right past Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and almost bumped into him!"
"The fantastic staff members from Congressman Crist's office were incredibly nice and were happy to show me around the Capitol building after the speech. The experience was truly one in a lifetime!”
Oliver's story was also picked up by ABC Action News, CBS News, Bay News 9 and "The Tampa Bay Times."
“During my time in DC, I had a tour of Congress and the Capitol Building. I saw Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York) deliver a speech. I met Senator Ron Wyden (D-Oregon) at dinner on Monday. He was so nice and wanted to hear about my project. Tuesday, we used the underground tunnel system to get from the Cannon House Office Building to the Capitol Building for a reception with Leader Nancy Pelosi. Just being in a room with so many people that control how our country works and operates was almost overwhelming. After the speech I was taken to the National Statuary Hall, where many news networks were filming interviews. I actually walked right past Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) and almost bumped into him!"
"The fantastic staff members from Congressman Crist's office were incredibly nice and were happy to show me around the Capitol building after the speech. The experience was truly one in a lifetime!”
Oliver's story was also picked up by ABC Action News, CBS News, Bay News 9 and "The Tampa Bay Times."
Do you have an exciting Passion Project story to share? Send a note to [email protected] for a chance to be featured in future Shorecrest publications.
