‘Lovely Lemons’ give back to the community
By Monica Renz
Special to The Eagle
When a group of fifth grade girls from our neighborhood elementary school was given a problem-based learning assignment, they decided to make it their own – and the “Lovely Lemons” were born. Olivia Lee, Emerson Renz, Reegan Renz and Makenna Stearns knew that learning should be fun and that helping others was a priority for each of them. At a sleepover that included strategic business planning interspersed with singing, dancing and painting, the girls’ community service vision crystallized. They were going to sell lemonade and use the proceeds to help the community. They were also going to make sure that everyone received a warm greeting and smiles with every glass served since kindness and caring are valued objectives at Pine Island Elementary school.
“When the girls completed the community project plan, they mentioned wanting to implement it. I am blown away that they were able to do so in just two days!” said Mrs. Costa.
The Renz girls enlisted the help of their dad to help design their logo and make T-shirts, while the other parents assisted the girls with gathering supplies for lemonade and posters.
“The sleepover was fun, but I also liked being able to help my community,” Olivia Lee said.
On Saturday morning, the girls loaded up the Stearns’ family golf cart and set up at various places throughout Alden Pines. Also helping the “Lovely Lemons” get customers was the Renzes’ younger sister, Aidyn, as well as Makenna’s younger brother Ryder.
When the girls were asked what made them decide to put this class assignment into action, Emerson Renz stated, “I wanted to see if the plan we came up with on paper would actually work.”
Reegan Renz added, “We saw this as a chance to give back to our community because they do so much for our school.”
The girls decided to split the proceeds from their lemonade stand between the Helping PAWS Animal Sanctuary and the Beacon of HOPE.
Makenna Stearns knew right away that Helping PAWS could benefit from donations as she has spent time volunteering at the sanctuary.
Just what did these young philanthropists take away from this class assignment?
“I learned that by helping the community and raising money, it puts a good feeling in your heart,” said Makenna.
If these young people are a glimpse of what our future leaders look like, then it is safe to say our future looks bright.
Monica Renz is a 4th Grade teacher at Pine Island Elementary School