Ambassadors of Goodwill:

Ms. Adriane N. Sheffield and the 2008 Summer Kindergarten Class
at Park Avenue Elementary School in Nashville, Tenn.

There are thousands of miles between Nashville, Tennessee and Monrovia, Liberia. However, in the minds of Ms. Adriane Nicole Sheffield and her kindergarten class of 5 and 6 year-olds, distance is no obstacle for goodwill. The 2008 Summer Kindergarten Class of the Park Avenue Elementary School in Nashville may have been few in number and very young, but their vision, creativity and kindness have launched an effort that is destined to bring much needed assistance to students at the B.W. Harris Episcopal School in Monrovia.

Sheffield and her 2008 kindergarten kids

Here’s their story.

During the 2008 Summer School session at the Park Avenue Elementary School in Nashville, the school decided to have an international adventure by having classes choose and focus on various countries. Upon choosing their country, each class would conduct research and present information about that country during the school special assembly. The kindergarten class, under the leadership and guidance of their teacher, Adriane N. Sheffield, chose to do research on Liberia. Their research project on Liberia yielded results that evolved into a soon to be published book entitled L Is for Love of Liberty – A Liberian Alphabet Book . In the book, students used the letters A-Z to list items, people and other cultural treasures that are found in Liberia (e.g. Bassa, Cassava,  Dumboy, Fufu... etc). They also included a brief description for each entry. They have not visited Liberia, but, thanks to the internet, they conducted research that yielded impressive results. (And mind you, these are 5 and 6 year-olds.)

Additionally, these young, first-time authors became so excited about their research that they expressed a desire to travel to Liberia. Since that was not possible, they decided to share with the children of Liberia by sending copies of their book when it is published. This idea was suggested by Keveen Collier, which then started a chorus of other suggested items including numerous school supplies. A jar was provided to collect spare change to purchase supplies. Jabaz Simpson donated the first penny. Another student, Tyler Fletcher, even offered a portion of his lunch money. He quickly became the “keeper of the jar” by making sure everyone else understood the purpose of the jar. At the end of the summer session, their teacher, Ms. Sheffield, continued their efforts and raised additional funds for the project. As a result of their desire to help students at B.W. Harris Episcopal High School, the first consignment of school supplies is on its way to the school, and more items are being collected for shipment.

As for the literary project - L Is for Love of Liberty – A Liberian Alphabet Book , a publisher in Nashville has expressed interest in publishing the book. Discussions and preliminary steps toward publishing the book are currently underway. Ms. Sheffield has indicated that she and the authors of the book have adopted B.W. Harris as their school in Liberia, and that a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the school.

For their kindness and goodwill toward its Alma Mater, the B.W. Harris Episcopal High School Alumni Association in the United States of America conferred honorary alumni membership on Ms. Sheffield and the 2008 Summer Kindergarten Class at the Park Avenue Elementary School in Nashville, Tennessee. A plaque to signify the conferring of the honor was presented to Ms. Sheffield on Wednesday, October 9 th at the Park Avenue Elementary School. The presentation was made by B.W. Harris Alumni, Rev. Thomas J. Rainsbury, Jr. who resides in Nashville, TN.

Adriane Sheffield and the 2008 Summer Kindergarten Class of the Park Avenue Elementary School in Nashville are indeed ambassadors of goodwill, representing all who extend a helping hand to help those who are less fortunate.