student spotlight
By Zoë Glore
Never Too Young Fourth grade Marburn Academy student rallies community to give back
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“I take in the pop tabs because they turn into money and the money goes toward the Ronald McDonald House for stuff for the kids, parents or other stuff,” says Ashley. “I want to help them raise some money.” While Ashley’s efforts started on a very small scale, she has been able to get her entire community involved. It may seem daunting to people of any age, but Ashley has no problem asking for help and holding people accountable, including teachers, faculty and even older students. Getting the word out has led to collection jars being placed near vending machines, teachers’ lounges and at faculty leadership retreats and events such as Marburn-
Con, an annual conference on learning differences in education. “I was drawn to Ashley’s effort because I have had a close family friend who has had to use the Ronald McDonald House,” says Marburn High School student Davis Raabe, who donated more than 3,000 pop tabs to Ashley’s cause. “I think it’s very gracious that Ashley has decided to use her time to give to others.” Ashley’s mother says she fell into this project, but has always been a giving child. “It’s nice because it shows them that they aren’t wasting the pop tabs and they’re trying to help people,” Ashwww.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Marburn Academy
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o matter how big or how small, no act of kindness is ever wasted. Ashley Keyser’s act of kindness starts very small – pop tab small. The 10-year-old Marburn Academy student began collecting over a year ago and, like the snowflake that starts the avalanche, successfully got the entire Marburn community involved. Initially part of her affinity project – an annual opportunity for lower division students in which they explore a passion or curiosity – Ashley’s turned into a schoolwide movement with collection jars all over Marburn. The jars are dumped into a five-gallon bucket that, once full, Ashley takes to the Ronald McDonald House as a donation.
Ashley Keyser, far right
