Moments In Time From The CUSD2 Veterans Day Ceremony
Mrs. Goldman's 7th Grade Science Cell Models
Fantastic Work!
Yesterday, SHS & SMS students and all CUSD2 staff had the opportunity to hear Sam Demma’s message - small, consistent actions can create extraordinary change.
At 13, Sam started chasing his dream of playing professional soccer and even moved to Italy by himself. Life had different plans, though. Three knee injuries at the age of 17 took away a full-ride soccer scholarship and redirected his path, teaching him that sometimes the most significant setbacks can become the most meaningful comebacks. Sam shared it was brutal knowing he wouldn’t play soccer professionally. BUT - thanks to his grandfather - a man who had shaped his entire worldview, who taught him that true success isn't measured by what you have but by how you serve others -he was able to shift. Inspired by his grandfather's wisdom, Sam started picking up litter on his daily walks home. This one small decision grew into a community movement that brought together hundreds of volunteers who cleared over 3,000 bags of litter from their streets. Before he knew it, his idea was featured all over national news, and he realized he wanted to keep making a difference, through speaking and writing. By 19, he was learning how to command a stage.
Sam's first talks evolved into keynote presentations at major conferences, leading him to become the youngest keynote speaker to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Sam has given over 800 keynote presentations across Canada, United States and Kenya, two TEDx talks, written two books: Empty Your Backpack & Return on Goodwill, a podcast, presence on all major social media platforms and online videos viewed over 450 million times.
Sam reminded the students and staff that every day brings new opportunities to serve, grow and challenge what's possible ... and it just starts with one choice, one action, one person...
At 13, Sam started chasing his dream of playing professional soccer and even moved to Italy by himself. Life had different plans, though. Three knee injuries at the age of 17 took away a full-ride soccer scholarship and redirected his path, teaching him that sometimes the most significant setbacks can become the most meaningful comebacks. Sam shared it was brutal knowing he wouldn’t play soccer professionally. BUT - thanks to his grandfather - a man who had shaped his entire worldview, who taught him that true success isn't measured by what you have but by how you serve others -he was able to shift. Inspired by his grandfather's wisdom, Sam started picking up litter on his daily walks home. This one small decision grew into a community movement that brought together hundreds of volunteers who cleared over 3,000 bags of litter from their streets. Before he knew it, his idea was featured all over national news, and he realized he wanted to keep making a difference, through speaking and writing. By 19, he was learning how to command a stage.
Sam's first talks evolved into keynote presentations at major conferences, leading him to become the youngest keynote speaker to earn the Certified Speaking Professional designation. Sam has given over 800 keynote presentations across Canada, United States and Kenya, two TEDx talks, written two books: Empty Your Backpack & Return on Goodwill, a podcast, presence on all major social media platforms and online videos viewed over 450 million times.
Sam reminded the students and staff that every day brings new opportunities to serve, grow and challenge what's possible ... and it just starts with one choice, one action, one person...
Check out the 5/6 Cheer tribute to Veterans!
Great Job Ladies!
https://youtube.com/shorts/_IF2nfwrPzc?si=5X-D58kLK5krPybZ
Exciting game tonight at home against Newark!
⭐️ SMS STAFF SPOTLIGHT ⭐️
Serena Middle School Student Council is collecting non-perishable food items and paper products throughout November to support families in our community.
Please send donations to school with your student.
Every donation makes a difference.
Thank you for helping our student's spread kindness and care for our neighbors! 💜
Please send donations to school with your student.
Every donation makes a difference.
Thank you for helping our student's spread kindness and care for our neighbors! 💜
Congratulations to our 7th Girls Basketball for playing hard this weekend in the Jr 10 Tournament. First & Second Round wins followed by a tough loss in the championship round to Lisbon 15-19 for 2nd place.
We got caught up with our 5th & 6th Boys Basketball stat updates on the road and home.
7th & 8th Boys had a last minute home opener switch on Thursday with Dwight and continued with their home stand tonight.
Lots of exciting action on the hardwood!
We got caught up with our 5th & 6th Boys Basketball stat updates on the road and home.
7th & 8th Boys had a last minute home opener switch on Thursday with Dwight and continued with their home stand tonight.
Lots of exciting action on the hardwood!
Serena Middle School Boys Basketball in full swing for all levels, while the 7/8 Girls are preparing for 8th Jr 10 Tournament.
Join Us To Honor All Veterans + Active Military
The FFA members spent time at their November meeting making signs and posters for our Veterans Day Ceremony.
Student Council's PUMPKIN PUNCH Sales!
THANK YOU to Mr. & Mrs. Znaniecki + Hy-Vee Grocery Store Of Peru For Your Generous Donation Of Ice Cream & Orange Soda For The Pumpkin Punch Fundraiser.
THANK YOU to Mr. & Mrs. Znaniecki + Hy-Vee Grocery Store Of Peru For Your Generous Donation Of Ice Cream & Orange Soda For The Pumpkin Punch Fundraiser.
Lots Of FUN At The October FFA Meeting!
Congrats to the 5th grade class ... the class that brought in the most socks for the Student Council Socktober event.
Pictured below are 5th graders who donated socks!
Great work!
Pictured below are 5th graders who donated socks!
Great work!
⭐️ SMS STAFF SPOTLIGHT ⭐️
Support the Serena Junior Class!
Head to Culver's in Ottawa for dinner tonight!
November 4 • 5pm-8pm
Shout Out To Mrs. Scott's Homeroom!
🤔Are you in 5th-8th grade?
🤔Do you want to improve your volleyball skills?
Come work with Lions Jrs. Starved Rock
Saturday, November 14th,
8:45 am - 1 pm
Serena High School Gym
🏐Clinic Only $30/ athlete
🏐Clinic & T-Shirt youth XL-adult XL $43/athlete
🏐Clinic & T-Shirt adult XXL $45/ athlete
(T-Shirt optional)
Please complete the registration and waiver on the link: bit.ly/ljsrserena26
Hurry and reserve your spot today❗
🤔Do you want to improve your volleyball skills?
Come work with Lions Jrs. Starved Rock
Saturday, November 14th,
8:45 am - 1 pm
Serena High School Gym
🏐Clinic Only $30/ athlete
🏐Clinic & T-Shirt youth XL-adult XL $43/athlete
🏐Clinic & T-Shirt adult XXL $45/ athlete
(T-Shirt optional)
Please complete the registration and waiver on the link: bit.ly/ljsrserena26
Hurry and reserve your spot today❗
Congratulations to the winners of the Student Council Red Ribbon Week Bookmark Contest.
Great work ladies!
Great work ladies!
Serena Middle School Student Council is collecting non-perishable food items and paper products throughout November to support families in our community.
Donations can be sent to the school with your student.
Every donation makes a difference.
Thank you for helping our student's spread kindness and care for our neighbors! 💜
Donations can be sent to the school with your student.
Every donation makes a difference.
Thank you for helping our student's spread kindness and care for our neighbors! 💜