June 10, 2024

Last year, Discovery Ridge Elementary student Delaney Robin spent eight days at Children’s Hospital for a severe bacterial infection. A year later, she was determined to give back to those who may be going through a similar experience by collecting donations for Children’s Hospital patients.

She says her inspiration came from Habit #8 – "find your voice, and inspire others to find theirs" – from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People she learned about in school through the Leader in Me curriculum.

Leader in Me provides Wentzville School District students the opportunity to work on leadership and life skills. Its comprehensive model creates a high-trust school culture and lays the foundation for sustained academic achievement by teaching students personal responsibility, accountability, and goal setting.

Delaney rallied her classmates, friends, and family, collecting toys, games, and anything that could bring a smile to a child battling illness.

Things came full circle last month when Delaney returned to Children's Hospital, not as a patient, but as a giver. She delivered not just boxes of toys, but a message of hope and resilience. She is an example of the impact a single voice can have on the greater good.