10 Events in 5 Days: An Unforgettable Experience at East Central Catholic Schools

What an incredible experience! Over just five days in September, East Central Catholic Schools (ECCS) welcomed us for a whirlwind tour of 10 events. I was privileged to speak to students and parents about empathy, inclusion, and mental health. Michele Revoy, Director of Teaching Quality & Staff Development, made it possible.

The Journey Across ECCS Schools

The week kicked off on September 12th at Theresetta School in Castor and continued with Christ-King School in Stettler on September 13th. From there, we traveled to St. Thomas Aquinas School in Provost on the 16th, Blessed Sacrament School in Wainwright on the 17th, and St. Jerome’s School in Vermilion on the 18th. With ten events packed into five days, the energy grew as we moved from school to school.

And we’re not done yet! This incredible series will conclude with a virtual event on October 15th featuring students and parents from the School of Hope.

Spreading Messages of Kindness, Inclusion, and Mental Health

At each stop, the focus was on the important themes of belonging, inclusion, and mental health. These are ideas that connect deeply with students, especially during these formative years. Sharing personal stories and offering real-life strategies resonated with the students, staff, and parents, encouraging them to lead with empathy, support each other, and keep a positive mindset.

After the performances, I received amazing testimonials! Check a couple out: 

“Thank you so much for coming to Provost. Your message was very inspiring and changed my whole perspective. Keep doing what you're doing because you're changing lives.”

“Thank you for your inspiring visits to our school. Your words have truly motivated us to strive for greatness. We appreciate your passion and wisdom, which have left a lasting impression on all of us. Your dedication to sharing your knowledge and experience is commendable. Your presence has made a significant impact on our school community, and we are grateful for the positive influence you have had on us. Thank you again so much. God bless you.”

It was great to see students so excited to receive copies of Empty Your Backpack, which digs into the idea of letting go of self-doubt and focusing on personal growth.

Parents Stepping into the Conversation

In addition to the student sessions, parent-focused events were held at each school, which were equally impactful. The parent session in Vermilion had a record turnout, showing how committed the community is to supporting their children’s mental health and well-being.

Together, we explored how open communication at home plays a key role in helping kids navigate the ups and downs of school life. The parents’ feedback about these conversations being meaningful was one of the most rewarding parts of this tour.

What’s one thing you do to promote kindness and inclusion in your community? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. Let’s keep the conversation going!

Contact Me:

For inquiries or to book a performance, visit my website, connect on Instagram, or reach out via email at info@samdemma.com.