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	Local Heroes and The Teddy Bear Factory By Kymberli W. Brady “Never doubt that a small group of committed people can change the world.” This quote from Margaret Meade echoed throughout Bret Harte Middle School in a moving tribute to a former student during a Unity Day rally on Wednesday, September 19th. The students gathered in the center grounds as Glory Hallelujah played in the background. Once assembled, a giant American Flag was raised, and then lowered to half-mast as Student Body President Ashley Chang led the Pledge of Allegiance. The show of patriotism, for our country and others, was evident among the addition of flags from over seventy-five countries displayed throughout the perimeter. Principal, Elaine Ferace opened the ceremony and paid tribute to the lives lost, including former student Nicole Miller, who was aboard the ill-fated United Airlines flight #93, that went down in Somerset, Pennsylvania on September 11. She reminded everyone that, “We cannot control everything, but we can control who we are and what we are about. Our integrity is challenged and tested every day.” She added, “We need to turn and extend a hand, not turn our backs.” Ferace then announced the two thousand student effort underway, pledging to “make a difference” by establishing the Bret Harte Teddy Bear Relief Fund. Bears will be manufactured by the students and sent to the three, four and five year old children of San Jose Day care in New York, a collaborative effort with Monta Vista High School in Cupertino. Ferace proudly added, “ We’ve seen the best in human spirit, and the best that we can be.” Bret Harte student and Leadership 2K Director Erin Lee, who spearheaded the idea, announced the school’s new vision for the future. “We have established three goals,” she said. “First, to honor those who lost their lives, and to support their families and friends. Second, to recognize and honor representatives of the fire and police departments. And third, to pledge to make the world a better place.” Councilmember Pat Dando spoke of being touched by their willingness to hand make teddy bears for the children of New York. “We have seen patriotism reborn,” she said. “The terrorists have united us in ways we have never realized in history. They have united us as Americans, with strangers helping strangers,” she added. Together you will make a difference today, and for the rest of your lives.” After an emotional rendition of “We Are the World,” Dr. Linda Murray, Superintendent of Schools spoke of how honored she was to be witnessing what the students of Bret Harte were doing. She commended them on not reacting with hate and fear, but with a firm belief in the ideals of our country. “Your goals for this Unity Day speak volumes for the strength of our country, and your pledges today,” she said. “Thank you for setting an example for us all.” The Bret Harte Teddy Bear Relief Project hopes to raise the $14,000.00 needed to make 1,400 bears. Contributions can be sent to Bret Harte Middle School. For more information on how you can help, call (408) 535-6270. Reprinted with permission from the Almaden Times About the author: Kymberli W. Brady, a Los Angeles native, now lives in San Jose, with her husband John, and their six year old son, Cole. She is author of “Give Them Wings and Let Them Fly”, and can be contact at letthemfly@aol.com.
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