Over the past few months, Hutchison fourth-graders started collecting books, a lot of books. In total, the class amassed more than 1,500 gently used books to donate to local elementary students. With the help of Hutchison’s Upper School Rogers Scholars Program and the Memphis Teacher Residency, the philanthropic young ladies delivered those books to Sherwood Elementary School and received congressional recognition for their project.

The girls were challenged by Lower School Head Ann Marie Crump to make a difference in the community with their time and service. “When we were 6-years-old, at our birthday party, we collected books for St. Jude instead of receiving presents,” said fourth-graders Lily and Katie. “We knew what we wanted to do.”

“We sent out a flyer asking for gently used books, not new ones, because our goal was to help others without spending money,” added classmate Lily.

Once collected, the books were sent first to the Memphis Teacher Residency (MTR), where they were sorted by reading and grade level. On October 24, the girls traveled to Sherwood Elementary with the Hutchison Rogers Scholars to deliver the books, talk about their project, and read to the kindergarten classes.

The overall experience at Sherwood had a profound impact on the fourth-graders and the Rogers Scholars. “I value the experience I gained after visiting Sherwood Elementary School. The students were so eager to learn, and seeing their ambition inspired me. The Memphis Teacher Residency is a powerful organization that is giving teachers the tools necessary to impact the lives of students forever,” said one Rogers Scholar.

Earlier this month, Tennessee Congressman Steve Cohen and the U.S. Congress honored four of the fourth-grade girls for their leadership in spearheading the project and for their service to their community.