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Clergy representing more than 32 different churches within the Hazelwood School District (HSD) met on Sept. 11 for the district’s interfaith Clergy Fall Breakfast Meeting. Board of Education members and HSD administrators were also there.

“I was pleased with the turnout,” said Board of Education President Desiree Whitlock. “It was great to see faith-based leaders from different denominations throughout our District come together and explore ways to help our children to succeed on all levels–at school, home and in the community.”

District representatives worked side-by-side with the faith-based community to explore ideas for the HSD Heroes initiative. This new volunteer outreach program was developed by the HSD clergy community last year.

Melanie Davison, HSD instructional specialist, and Jamaal Reed, parent of two Hazelwood students, both shared how the HSD Heroes program has already made a positive impact in schools, at recess and in the neighborhood.

“One student who I was asked to mentor had some serious problems at home,” said Reed. “As a result of this, he caused havoc everywhere he went – at school, recess and in the neighborhood, and all of the younger kids were afraid of him. After I began spending a little time with him and allowed him to express himself, this young man really made a transformation. A positive change in his behavior has been noticed by everyone who he comes in contact with. Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to just show that they care.”

The next phase of the HSD Heroes initiative is to promote the mentoring programs in the district. The HSD already participates in the OASIS Reading Mentoring Program, the Girl Scouts TUF leadership program, and the Boy Scouts. However, the goal is to now to get more adult volunteers from the churches and community to help lead these programs.

The Reverend Jim Walker, pastor of Hazelwood Baptist Church, led the first call to action, as he invited all churches to hold prayer during morning service specifically for the school district.

“Since prayer is no longer allowed in our schools, let’s collectively pray for our schools,” said Walker. “On Sunday, Oct. 5, let’s all remember to pray for our students, teachers and administrators during morning service, in our respective churches.”

He also reminded them to put their faith into action by informing members about the HSD Heroes program. “100 is the magic number. Let’s see if we can collectively get 100 of our church members to become active HSD Heroes on this day of prayer for our school district,” he said.

“We must be proactive in helping our children and teachers,” said The Reverend Karen Anderson, pastor of Ward Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church and Hazelwood Bright Futures Advisory Board member. “We are seeing so many issues right now in our neighboring school districts and surrounding communities. If we are not careful, it could be our district.

“It’s wonderful that we all come together in this forum, now let’s work together. Let’s stay together as a community and be a part of the solution,” she said.

In addition to joining the HSD Heroes program, some faith-based leaders are spearheading other initiatives to benefit students and Hazelwood Bright Future programs.

The Rev. Chip Pagel, youth pastor at Halls Ferry Christian Church, invited the group to help stock the HSD Food 4 Thought closets during a Serve St. Louis event on Oct. 11 at local Shop ‘N Save locations.

The Reverend Cedric Portis, pastor of Third Presbyterian Church and Hazelwood Bright Futures Advisory Board member, is championing a golf tournament in June 2015, to benefit the district’s student support programs.

Jana Shortt, communications director of the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Attended. Ferguson-Florissant is developing a similar faith-based network in the near future.

For those wanting to join the HSD Heroes volunteer program or for additional information, please contact the District’s office at 314.953.5045 or email: info@hazelwoodschools.org.

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