Project TEACH volunteers work to inspire young minds in Manatee County

Eloise Vaughn, a fourth grader at Gilbert W. McNeal Elementary School in Lakewood Ranch, wants to be a lawyer because she is good at reading and talking to people. 

When Riverview's Debra Estes visited her class to teach about different careers, Vaughn walked away with a valuable message. 

“She (Estes) said if she had one wish, she would hope that the whole world would be peaceful for everybody,” Vaughn said.

Estes said meeting students like Vaughn gives her hope for a better future.

"They were such a kind and smart class and the world can certainly use their kindness,” Estes said. “I love that this resonated with them.”

Estes works as the director of English for Speakers of Other Languages (migrant and dual language programs by the School District of Manatee County). She was among approximately 160 volunteers to visit fourth grade classes across the district March 12 as part of Project T.E.A.C.H. (“Teach Everyone About Career Horizons”).

Project T.E.A.C.H is a collaborative program between The Manatee Chamber of Commerce and the School District of Manatee County to educate fourth grade students about career opportunities.

As part of Project T.E.A.C.H., students played a guessing game to determine the volunteers' age and professions, and other fun items, such as how many pets they have.

After the game, each volunteer explained what they do for a living and then provided advice to the children. 

The students eventually created their own business cards. 

Photo by Madison Bierl

Lakewood Ranch’s Tara Poulton, who is running for a Manatee County Commission seat this year, serves as the district chief of staff for Congressman Vern Buchanan. She has been a Project T.E.A.C.H. volunteer for 15 years and this time she visited Jaden Manfredi’s fourth grade classroom at McNeal.

Poulton said her favorite part was hearing the students explain their dreams and career goals. 

“Whether it’s public service, business, healthcare, or something creative, the key is to stay curious, work hard, and believe their ideas and talents matter,” Poulton said. 

Bradenton’s Ellen Walther is a public relations director at Gettel Automotive Group who has been a Project T.E.A.C.H. volunteer for nine years.

“(The kids) are like little sponges,” Walther said. “Everything you say, they absorb it. They like to be part of the team, they like to ask questions, and they like to be called on so that they're part of it, too.” 

Photo by Madison Bierl

Leona Killion and Michael Chmielarski were among the students to listen to Walther. Killion said she had fun playing the guessing games with the volunteers. 

Chmielarski said he thought Walther might be a lawyer, but was impressed that she works for Gettel Automotive Group. Killion made a business card that said she was a dancer while Chmielarski created one as a soccer player. 

“It is important to open up kids' minds of what there is in life,” Walther said. “There's so much in life to see and do. Sometimes I don't know what I want to do, even at my age.” 

Myakka City’s CristyRae Ansley, who works as a booking and contract manager at Nathan Benderson Park, volunteered at Myakka City Elementary School. She said timing finally worked out this year for her to “show students how the professional world connects back to their own community.” 

Ansley told the students her job involves problem solving, organization, and communication. She also wanted them to know “learning has no finish line” as she is pursuing a Master’s degree in legal studies at the Florida State University College of Law.

Photo by Madison Bierl

“The kids were incredibly engaged and you could see the wheels turning as they connected their strengths to careers,” Ansley said. “They were excited to hear that an adult is still in school. Their enthusiasm showed they were seeing their own potential in the professional world.” 

Poulton agreed that the students showed a lot of enthusiasm and interest. Olivia Yzeiri said she was inspired by Poulton to follow her dream of creating a crochet business. 

“I liked how she (Poulton) shared about her job and she just was very happy all the time,” Yzeiri said. “She followed her dream.” 

“It reminded me that the next generation is full of energy, creativity, and optimism,” Poulton said. “Programs like this remind us that sometimes a short conversation or simple interaction can open a young person’s mind to possibilities they might not have considered before.”