A second-grader’s mission to warm Madison
Published in the 12/20/10 issue of the Suburban Journals
A second-grader’s mission to warm Madison
‘I kept seeing a lot of kids without coats,’ says girl
When Z’Sanique Sanders, 7, told her principal she had an idea to warm up her classmates this winter, she meant business.
The second-grader at Harris Accelerated Elementary School in Madison was serious about opening up her heart to the community, Principal Terrien Fennoy said.
“She came to me in September and said ‘I have an idea’ and then she kept stopping by my office each week to remind me. She was persistent and genuinely concerned as the weather got colder,” Fennoy said.
Sanders’ idea evolved from a wish to help her classmates into a community-wide winter coat drive called “From Our Hearts to Yours.” Continue reading
Granite City girl scout sells 1,040 boxes of cookies
Published in the 12/13/10 issue of the Suburban Journals
Granite City girl scout sells 1,040 boxes of cookies
When Hannah Groetecke sets her mind to something, she gets the job done — even if it means carrying an order form at all times.
Groetecke, a member of Girl Scout Troop 403 in Granite City, got the job done this month, selling 1,040 boxes of cookies for the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois. Her efforts earned her a Mongoose bike, an iPod Touch, her name on the district office’s plaque and recognition as one of five girls in the area deemed Super Sellers. Continue reading
My Christmas Shoes
When I was little, Christmas was my favorite time of year. It was the anticipation of spending time with my family, the excitement over gift giving and the nervousness of holiday plays and church programs.
For me, the main events always lived up to the anticipation. But, I’m not so little anymore.
About Me
Three words to describe me? Passionate. Motivated. Curious. These traits help me as a college media adviser and professor, freelance writer, author and mom. From student journalism and higher education to parenting and freelance writing, this site, focused on writing, reflecting and teaching, offers a mix of blogs with a hint of humor, sarcasm, and inspiration, as well as my published stories on just about every possible topic.
Feel free to browse my sample works including feature news, magazine, and web copywriting pieces from the past and present. You can also pick up my new book “Screen-Free Fun: 400 Activities for the Whole Family” now available. Check back often for daily updates, blog entries, and additional stories. Feel free to contact me directly at shphilpott@gmail.com, follow me on Twitter, or grab tips for Screen-Free Fun on our Facebook page. Comments are welcome!
Shannon Philpott-Sanders 