Going Above and Beyond to Reach Success in Leadership and Literacy
It was an exciting day this fall for Lisa Feuerbach’s 5th grade students at Gwendolyn Brooks Elementary School in DeKalb. George McCaskey, Chairman and Owner of the Chicago Bears, visited the school to speak to the students about the importance of leadership and literacy. When McCaskey was asked what the inspiration was for this particular topic, he responded, “Literacy is something we are really emphasizing in our community relations efforts because it is so important. These kids here at Brooks Elementary School are leaders. Other kids are looking up to them. So, they really need to set a good example for them. One of the ways they can do that is by being good readers.”
During his presentation, George explained to the students that achieving greatness is possible. He told stores about his grandfather, George Halas, as well as his mother, Virginia McCaskey. George Halas was the founder of the Chicago Bears and Virginia McCaskey is the primary owner. George McCaskey used these vivid examples to explain that passionate and dedicated leaders are able to fulfill their dreams. Additionally, he made it known that working as a team is very important to the success of everyone.
George concluded the presentation by reciting poetry written by Gwendolyn Brooks with the intention of emphasizing the importance of knowing various forms of literature. The true meaning behind Mr. McCaskey’s leadership and literacy presentation seemed to resonate well with the 5th graders, as they did not hesitate to ask him questions about how they, too, could become leaders.