When I was a senior in high school, my colorguard coach gave me a stone that had the word STRENGTH engraved on it. She said that it was something she saw in me, that she thought I needed to see more of in myself.
Years later, now myself a colorguard coach to over 25 high school girls, I stumbled onto The Giving Keys website. It meant everything to me to see what this company does, and the message behind it. I had since given my stone away to someone who needed my strength more, but I had found something just as personal and wonderful for my seniors, these keys.
For the last 6 years, every senior that passes through my program leaves with a key that is in line with their heart and soul. Over the four years that I coach these kids they become a family to me. The seniors take pride and look forward to their secret gift. They know they get key necklaces, but not that they are inscribed or the stories behind them.
I've had graduating seniors come back to give them to their guard buddies who are going through hard times. I've seen them on siblings as they come to tryouts years later and friends as I walk through the building. The message resonates. The love spreads. Most of all these students see themselves in a new light, from being able to see themselves through another eyes.
-SarahEllen
