SPOTLIGHT ON EDUCATORS
Many of our volunteers and supporters are former and current educators who use their classrooms to introduce students to opportunities to make a difference in their communities. Through their efforts, the students become much more aware of the needs of people in our community and how they themselves can have tremendous impact through small gestures of kindness and giving of their time.
Last month we spotlighted Educator Jennifer Ayres, PE Teacher at Paw Paw Early Elementary, who challenged her students to donate 100 boxes of cereal to celebrate 100 days of school (see Eleanor's Pantry's previous Facebook post that includes a video showing just how much fun can be had with 100 boxes of cereal!)
During the month of March, we continue to feature educators whose actions have brought tremendous support to the pantry. Through those actions, they bring awareness and make a difference in the lives of their students, as well as the men, women, and children who look to the pantry for supplemental food and personal care items.
Please check out upcoming spotlights on both our website and Facebook page, and during the coming days reach out and thank an educator for the positive influence they make in the lives of our kids!
EDUCATOR SPOTLIGHT
featuring Cari Houston, PPPHS Educator
National Honor Society Advisor
Pay It Forward Program Teacher
I had the pleasure to speak with Cari Houston as the pantry looks to spotlight several educators in our communities each year and also express our appreciation to all educators as they expand student exposure to community needs and ways they can make an impact through small gestures of kindness and giving of their time.
We have the privilege of working with Cari and her students through the pay It Forward Program where her students volunteer in stocking shelves, assist in shopping for guests, and loading groceries. It's clear that Cari has a huge heart for her students and loves her job. We truly appreciate her candid responses and the significant contributions she makes on a daily basis. We know she is making a positive impact on her students now and they will carry that influence beyond high school and many years to come.
Thank you, Cari!
Below in a Q&A format is my conversation with Cari:
Q: What deciding factors lead you to be an educator and how long have you served in this capacity?
A: My high school years were anything but easy (by my own choices). Every day felt like an uphill battle. By my senior year, and at times, I wasn’t sure if I would make it through. I graduated from an alternative education high school, a place that became my refuge when the traditional path didn’t fit. It was the teachers who refused to give up on me, who saw my potential instead of my mistakes, that made all the difference. They never judged me for my struggles; instead, they lifted me up when I felt like falling. Because of them, I earned my diploma. Their belief in me changed my life, and for that, I will always be grateful. As I began to find my own way, I knew deep in my heart that I wanted to do the same—give back, support others, and be the kind of person who sees the good in someone when they struggle to see it in themselves. My hope is all my students feel that my room is a safe place.
Q: I know that you facilitate programs outside of the standard classroom, such as National Honor Society and Pay It Forward programs. What makes these opportunities critical to the student experience?
A: The Pay it Forward class is designed to foster a deep sense of community service, leadership, and empathy through hands-on experiences. Students engage in a variety of volunteer opportunities, including working at the local food pantry, assisting with a therapy dog program, and creating activities for Head Start students. Their efforts extend to fundraising projects that support essential community services, such as providing clothing for emergency needs and collecting cans for the Lion’s Club Holiday food baskets. Beyond these larger initiatives, students also take part in smaller but equally meaningful acts of kindness, such as raking leaves for neighbors and donating quarters at the laundromat. Their participation in monthly senior luncheons further strengthens
intergenerational connections, helping to bridge gaps and foster relationships within the community.
Additionally, students are exposed to vital health and service programs through organizations like Versiti blood donation and Gift of Life Michigan. These experiences provide valuable insight into the importance of giving back in different ways, broadening
their awareness of community needs while instilling a lifelong sense of responsibility and compassion. Through this class, students don’t just learn about service—they experience firsthand how their actions can make a lasting impact.
Q: The pantry has had the privilege of welcoming student volunteers into its space where your students are exposed to other volunteers, its operations, and its guests. What feedback have
you gotten from students in response to this exposure?
Students genuinely enjoy volunteering, and their experiences leave a lasting impact. When they return to school the next day, they share a newfound appreciation for the pantry and its mission. Many express a desire to volunteer more often, realizing firsthand
how their contributions make a real difference in people's lives. To build on this enthusiasm, I try to gather their feedback—what moments stood out to them, what they learned, and any ideas they have for expanding their involvement. Encouraging them to
reflect on their experiences can deepen their understanding and inspire even greater engagement in serving the community.
Q: Are there any other ways the pantry could offer further insight on community needs or its operations that would be impactful?
A: Sue Miller (Executive Director of the pantry) has been truly amazing. Before my students begin volunteering at Eleanor's Pantry, she takes the time to meet with us, sharing her knowledge and passion for helping others. She explains the needs within our community and the vital role Eleanor’s Pantry plays in supporting those who struggle. Because of her, the students walk away with a deeper understanding of the pantry’s impact and the importance of giving back. They gain firsthand insight into the challenges many face and leave with a greater appreciation for the strength of our community. Her dedication makes a lasting impression, inspiring these young volunteers to serve with compassion and purpose.
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