Sean Lane
“A Piano with Purpose,” is the brainchild of Sean Lane again using his love for alliteration to name his project. Sean is a second time winner with his first project being “Cards for Kindness,” which involved creating positive hand-crafted pop up cards that were delivered to older adults who needed a little boost. His latest idea involves the restoration of a piano, including painting and tuning, which will be put in a sheltered public location in downtown Mocksville. This will be a community piano that anyone can play at any time. Sean has the full support of the Town of Mocksville. Sean has a love of music turning his passion and hobby into a service. Sean not only is a two time Ambassador, but he has been a volunteer panelist for over two years. “Becoming so involved with DRI has really fostered a mindset of improvement and community betterment in me and when I had this idea, combining a love for music with a love of spreading respect, I knew I had to see it through. Music is so powerful, it can connect people and really bring a community together.” That is music to our ears and DRI wishes Sean all the best in locating this piano with a purpose.
Cayce Cao
Cayce’s first project idea was a bit ambitious and did not take into account the huge cost of sending things overseas in particular, Viet Nam. “In the beginning, it was a project called “golden grain aid” with a goal of shipping 20 boxes of rice on a shipping pallet. I had consulted with a non-profit concerning shipping means, but even then the cost was out of my control! At the suggestion of the Davie Respect panel, I made some modifications so that this project was able to bloom into what it is today. Instead of shipping rice goods, I asked my mom what was the second most needed supply in Vietnam. Thus, I held a drive, not too big, collecting school supplies and toddlers clothes ranging from ages 3-10. Sometimes it’s never a bad thing to start over; It’s just like solving a puzzle piece, where the answer is right under your nose as long as you keep searching and connecting the perfect pieces. Later, a DRI panelist introduced Cayce to the president and founder of Children of Vietnam, Ben Wilson and this has really impacted her life. “Children of Vietnam (COV), a non-profit has a special place in my heart. Ben Wilson, the president and founder, along with one of the executive directors and I have all met and discussed that when I have a free period during college, I am invited to travel to Vietnam to work with them, I will stay in Da Nang and play tennis or pickleball with the children! It’ll be fantastic sharing with the children. Without a doubt, my involvement with this organization is something I plan on continuing.” The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is Cayce’s first choice. She plans to major in Public Policy with a minor in Psychology. “When I graduate college, I plan on being more involved with Children of Vietnam and conducting research regarding the welfare of others.”
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Emma Martin
Emma Martin is a freshman at Davie County High School and she has taken her passion for sewing and turned it into a Respect Project. In eighth grade, Emma learned to sew and the first thing she learned to make was a pillow! Before she knew it, she had made over 200 pillows of all shapes and sizes. After supplying her whole family with pillows including her twin brothers who received pillows for their stuffed animals, Emma came up with an idea: it would be nice if kids who didn’t have stuffed animals could have something comforting. Her thought was to give a pillow to children entering the foster care system - something soft and cuddly that would be theirs. Emma’s mother connected her with Blue Door Restore, a place where foster families can shop for clothing, toys and more. Blue Door has now asked Emma to learn to sew bags for the children to use while shopping or to carry their belongings. Emma wrote in her application: “Your hobby can make a difference in someone else’s life.” What a difference Emma is making in the lives of children in foster care with her “Pillow Project"!
Hallie Head
“How did you learn about the Davie Respect Initiative and tell me a little about your project,” the Mayor asked Hallie Head, a 13 year old who attends South Davie Middle School. Hallie had actually learned about DRI from her teacher, Julie Snow, and she was inspired by the “Happy Feet Contributions” project that a fellow classmate, Emma Grace, had recently completed in which slightly used athletic shoes were collected and given away free for anyone who needed them! The eighth grade formal wear donation project would provide students with access to gently used dresses, suits and accessories at no cost, “ensuring that every student can attend the dance with confidence and pride.” Hallie shared, “It brings me joy knowing that I’m trying to make a positive change in the lives of others.” We know with Hallie’s kind heart and determination, this project will be a success!
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Jackson Barrett
Congratulations to Jackson Barrett, a two-time DRI awardee, whose idea truly captured the spirit of the recent holiday season! Earlier during the holiday season, Jackson set out to anonymously provide gifts to high school students in need. Many clubs and organizations at the high school were able to provide gifts for kids and families except for one family. This family included a child with special needs, and the mother had been injured in a work-related accident. Although she applied for disability, her benefits were delayed during the government shutdown. Jackson made sure this family was not forgotten. He was able to purchase everything on the young person's wish list, which mainly included basic necessities.
During the process, Jackson learned that the family had been without a stove for nearly a year. Jackson was very resourceful, and he was able to purchase a brand-new stove from Lowe's. The family was thrilled because they had never owned a brand-new appliance! Before the stove/oven was completely installed, the mother was already cooking a meatloaf. With funds remaining, Jackson also provided items for the mother and sibling, ensuring the entire family felt supported and seen. His generosity is a reminder that one thoughtful idea can make a lasting difference in someone's life. Thank you, Jackson, for sharing your heart and turning empathy into action! Ana James
Congratulations to Ana James, a 12-year-old student at William Ellis Middle School. Ana learned about the Davie Respect Initiative after her sister Ali received an award last year for her Respect Project, which was collecting supplies for the DC Humane Society and the Animal Shelter. Ana's kind heart is evident in her project. When she was in elementary school, she witnessed bullying and kids being unkind to one another. She wanted to do something to counter this negativity, so she had the idea of setting up a bulletin boards at schools for people to add sticky notes that spread kind and motivating words. Shady Grove Elementary, where she attended, would be her first school. "I feel like this board could be a place of encouragement and happiness if someone were feeling down".
The world could use more positivity right now and let's start early! Ana's bright colored sticky notes are sure to uplift and encourage. Great idea, Ana and we look forward to seeing the ripple effects! Lena Parsley
Lena Parsley is a three-time DRI awardee, two of which were with some fellow Girl Scouts. Her group projects have included preparing hygiene bags for the girls at South Davie Middle School and, last year, along with other Scouts, creating and implementing a beautification plan for the courtyard at the library. Now going solo, Lena has come up with a very useful and practical project—collecting tennis balls so that teachers can have access to them for the bottoms of chairs and desks in their classrooms. “This project addresses the high amount of tennis balls thrown away in the county when they could be used to help teachers at no cost to them.” Lena plans to assemble collection boxes and install them at tennis courts along with outdoor signs detailing the environmental problems related to tennis balls going to landfills. Help with cutting the tennis balls after they have been donated would also greatly benefit the teachers. Any volunteers? Thank you, Lena, for another very thoughtful project that not only respects the environment but also supports our teachers. Great job!
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Trista Yang
Congratulations to Trista Yang, a 16 year old Davie High School student, for her winning idea, “Hearts for Heroes.” Trista’s idea comes from witnessing some students being disrespectful to teachers, as well as observing the effects of funding cuts on classroom supplies. Her idea is to create gift baskets for educators that include needed supplies such as markers, distilled water, and paper towels, along with fun personalized items or gift cards. She plans to start with science teachers first and hopes to expand to other departments over time. A team of students will assist in creating quality appreciation cards to accompany the gift baskets. Trista’s goal is to “inspire the youth of DCHS to show greater respect and appreciation for their teachers and for those who have played a critical role in their lives.” In addition to her interest in service and the sciences, Trista has a strong interest in music. She has been playing the clarinet for six years and is a member of the band. “I love music that incorporates several elements like jazz, classical, and pop. One of my favorite artists, Laufey, creates music that perfectly encapsulates my favorite genre of music. I also love Lana Del Rey with her alternative pop.” What does Trista do to relax? Bake. She finds baking to be a great stress reliever. As for the person she would most like to meet, it is Lin Manuel Miranda. With interests in service, science, and the arts, we know you will have an exciting future, Trista.
Janie Scott
Janie Scott is an impressive 12-year-old and quite the entrepreneur! She impressed the DRI panelists with her thoughtful presentation and idea. “Sending Love One Basket at a Time” is the name of Janie's Respect Project, and her plan is to make customized care baskets for people in local nursing homes or assisted living facilities. “It is a way of giving back to the people who once cared for us; the residents in these homes are often lonely and do not have many visitors.” Janie has thought of many possibilities to include in her baskets, including hygiene products, games or books such as crossword puzzle books, and one or more of her handmade items—a bracelet, a bookmark, perhaps a key chain, blanket, or pillow. She has many creative ideas! When Mayor Will Marklin presented Janie with her $1,000 check and DRI certificate, he shared how the Rotary Club used to visit residents at Somerset and how appreciative they were to have company. Janie is even thinking of playing games with them. Her project is sure to bring lots of smiles to Davie seniors!
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