Turner Foundation Students Meet President George W. Bush at 2019 Legacy Event
Among the glammed-up guests, clinking dinnerware, and lush carpeting at Rosewood Miramar Hotel, stood our Turner Foundation students, beaming with pride. In fitted tuxes, glittery dresses, and squeaky-clean shoes provided by the Turner Foundation, our students passed out candy canes while greeting guests, with smiles that could barely contain their excitement for the moment that was to come. For the past few months they had practiced greeting and shaking hands with one another, and had spent many hours learning about our government and past presidents; all in order to prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime moment. They were about to greet and shake hands with former President George W. Bush.
As the Legacy Event guests were ushered into the main event space and the doors were closed, our students stood in the quiet hallway in expectation. Secret service agents went around, checking to make sure that all doors were closed, and before they knew it, President George W. Bush was ushered in to greet them. He was gracious with his handshakes, going around and greeting each student one by one. He joked and made conversation, even squeezing the shoulders of one or two of the kids.
And just like that, the moment passed. But in its stead, a lifetime of joy and pride remains. Upon reflecting about the Legacy Event, the words our students used to describe this night was: grateful, happy, proud.
From each big event, to the daily ongoing activities during our after-school program, these are the kinds of emotions we hope to foster in our students each day. The core understanding that each one of them is loved, valued, and that their possibilities are endless.
And what better way to end the Legacy Event for our bright, young students? A pizza party, of course! Our students were taken to Rusty’s Pizza, where they got to spend the rest of the night eating, playing games, and enjoying each other’s company. What a great way to end 2019, and what an amazing opportunity for us all!
