It is the beginning of a new school year and time to look forward to new adventures, but also to look back appreciating our extraordinary experiences. For the past 6 years, Mr. Andy Moore, as principal, and his Locust Grove Elementary School staff in Crestwood, KY have created a performance for the last day as part of The Golden Lion Awards. This past June, “The Greatest Showman” theme was truly the greatest one yet. It was not just a dance routine. It had so much more meaning because it related to a special theme they incorporated throughout the school year and have always instilled in their daily encounters.
As a Lighthouse School in the Leader in Me program, the children are taught to be a beacon of light guiding others by: setting a positive example, walking along with them, polishing their strengths, finding their voices, learning what's important to them, and drawing on those characteristics to help them be the best they can be. When our school hosted a leadership day, where community members and parents witness our Leader In Me program in action, it ended with the children lining the halls singing “Come Alive” as people were leaving the building dancing and singing along. The Kindergarten children even did their own leadership program, totally running the evening with no adult assistance, also singing the song. During the awards day, besides the staff performance, there was a silks performer, gymnast, stilt walker, juggler, and a group of students doing a dance/skit to “This Is Me”. They were showcasing their differences, while coming together as one group.
The last day events pulled at many heartstrings. Luckily, with clips being shared on Facebook, we all could watch it over and over to relive the experience. Just as The Greatest Showman in the movie brought unique people together to be a family, spotlight their uniquenesses as strengths, and taught us to respect each other, our principal is an amazing ringmaster who helps his staff and students shine in the same way. He expects great things with a caring, sensitive, enthusiastic, and motivated demeanor. “The Greatest Showman” song represents our school because of our dedicated staff, how they feel like a family, that they are driven to helping the students make goals, and guide them on their journey.
My daughter started Kindergarten and I was a nervous first-year-of-school mom the same year Mr. Moore became principal. He helped us through many different bumps along the way and was patient and helpful as I navigated and matured during her six years of elementary school. His leadership skills build a strong sense of community between the school and the parents. I want Mr. Moore and the Locust Grove Staff to know how much they are appreciated, and hope they to can be recognized in an exceptional way.