Students operate 'Change for Change'

Greencastle-Antrim High School students are in the middle of a challenge. Each grade is collecting money in the Tumani Ambassadors challenge “Change for Change.” The service club is raising funds to help children, either locally or around the world.

An assembly Feb. 16 drove home the message that each individual had the capacity to make a difference.

Carlos Rosado, 60, pastor at The Vine Church in Smithsburg, Md. shared the impact one man made on his life many years ago. Paul Hill moved to New York specifically to work with teens. He encountered Rosado, then 16, already involved in a gang in the Bronx.

“My life has never been the same,” said Rosado. “Every single one of us is born with a purpose. Every one of you makes a difference and can change destiny.”

He urged the students to become leaders, not followers, and added that they might never know the positive impact they made on others during their lifetimes.

He was selected as the guest speaker since several students attend his church. He agreed to appear because he liked to encourage people to see their true potential, he said.

Tumani members reported that needs across America had increased but charitable donations had dropped, therefore, every bit of change the students could spare through Feb. 25 was most welcome.

“Together, we might be able to make people’s tomorrows better than today,” said Patti Kotrady.

Videos and music added punch to the message, and Justin Bieber as the first performer in an updated version of Michael Jackson/Lionel Richie’s “We are the World” drew a lively response.

Tumani Ambassadors has raised $11,000 since its inception in 2007. Projects have included the Greencastle Food Pantry, a school in West Africa, My Stuff Foundation for abused and neglected children, the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation, and Haitiian relief. This year the 28 members are also supporting “Children First Initiative” to provide basic personal care supplies for the school nurses to give to local families in need.