Education Magazine

Page 14 Excellence In Education Lincoln Daily News January 25, 2023 admitted to the hospital so they could perform more tests and prepare for treatment. In the midst of chaos and the unknown, Erica, a teacher at CEL, was surrounded by her school family which includes staff, parents, and students. Everyone came together without reservation to help with planning lessons, preparing meals, and gathering items of comfort and necessity for the family. One School. One Family. In addition to the support provided by the CEL Family, the Lincoln (and surrounding) communities have also come together to support the Maynards. Various schools and organizations in the area are doing their own version of #TeamEli activities, many who may not even know the family personally but want to help. Eli is kind and loving. He adores his family and finds comfort in them and wants them to be “okay” as well. He has a smile that is large and contagious. He is an avid Elvis fan who is “Taking Care of Business” as he fights this diagnosis one day at a time. “His Fight is Our Fight” has become the CEL motto for Eli. No child should have to endure the discomfort and isolating impact of cancer. The road he and his family are going to travel will have peaks and valleys, bumps and potholes, but throughout the journey there are lessons for everyone to learn that can’t be replicated in the classroom. Eli’s classmates and peers are learning how to “be there” for Eli without him being in class. Children in our community are witnessing the kindness, grace, empathy, and sacrifice being spread. They are watching us, our community, and learning. Our world is broken, but at times like this, we are reminded that we can make a difference and come together to bring hope to others. This time it’s for Eli and his family. One School. One Family. If you would like to support the Maynard family, there is a GoFundMe. https://www. gofundme.com/f/r3dta-team-eli?qid=c745a322 de6e53a6c1e174ef588d5f37