The Epitome of CA

by Mike Davis, Ph.D.
Head of School

Sometimes people ask me to describe Colorado Academy in one word, or even one sentence; that’s pretty tough based on our more than 100 years in existence, our 950 students, more than 150 employees, hundreds of classes, events, and competitions, and thousands of daily interactions. Yet, occasionally I run across something that seems to epitomize our school.

In a forthcoming publication you’ll read about the Upper School’s “TLC Club.” It was student-conceived, student-run, operates very much under the radar, and is simply amazing. Club members are anonymous, and they work to spread kindness and care to anyone in the Upper School who needs it. In addition to projects throughout the year, they invite people to visit a website they created (http://coloradoacademytlc.org ) to “nominate” someone who could use a little cheer. The “nominee” receives a stuffed bear, candy, or a hand-written note.

Here’s more from the forthcoming article in an interview with the anonymous club founder:

CA: Where did the idea for the TLC club come from?
TLC: The idea for the club came from a TED Talk about a young man named Drew Dudley who gave a lollipop to a young woman on her first day of college. He didn’t know her, or even remember her until the woman told him later that his kind gesture inspired her to stay in school, and that small act of kindness changed the course of her life forever. Dudley called these moments “lollipop moments.” (Dudley’s website is called “mylollipopmoment.com,” and emphasizes leadership through kindness and doing and saying what matters.)

CA: What kinds of things do club members do?
TLC: We put posters in the Upper School to welcome back students at the beginning of the year; we write welcome letters to all the freshmen; we put up signs to congratulate the seniors on their college acceptances and thank the college counselors. Twice a year, we put notes in students’ mailboxes to brighten their days. And, of course the best part is that students, faculty and staff go to our website to let us know about someone who needs some TLC.  We honor all requests by putting an anonymous letter and a teddy bear or box of candy in their mailbox to let them know that they are special and valued.  It also lets them know that someone around them noticed that they needed some TLC, and that someone cared enough to alert the TLC club.  Once we have delivered the TLC to their mailboxes, we notify the person who nominated them.

CA: What kind of feedback have you gotten from students you have served?
TLC: All the students who have become members in the club have been served by the club, so, I guess it meant enough to them by wanting to be a part of it. Also, there are lots of testimonials in this video we created: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbGLcgjT8t0

CA: What are you hoping that the impact of the club will be?
TLC: Simply that people will feel valuable, special, and appreciated. 
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