Schools

Future Leaders Emerging at Ben Franklin

Students learn the importance of community in the I Can Make a Difference Club.

Each week, Menomonee Falls Patch selects individual kids, youth groups, teens, and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments for our Whiz Kid feature.

This week's Patch Whiz Kid of the Week is a group of fifth-graders in the I Can Make a Difference Club.

School: Benjamin Franklin Elementary School

Find out what's happening in Menomonee Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Accomplishment: The club raised over $2,000 this year to cure leukemia.

Key to Awesomeness: This group of fifth-graders at Ben Franklin Elementary school come into school early every Friday morning to participate in the club. Throughout the year, the club has accomplished a lot of awesome things.

Find out what's happening in Menomonee Fallswith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The club raised over $2,000 for leukemia research this year. The group has conducted a book drive for Children's Hospital, and other local hospitals. The group has also given their time and talents to create refrigerator magnets for the Eironicon Club.

"We always teach them that you can never doubt that a small group of people can change the world," said school guidance counselor Jeff Waggoner. "It's eye-opening knowing that fifth graders understand the importance of helping people."

The club also gives their time and energy to help their fellow students at Ben Franklin. The give up their recess time to tutor some of the younger learners, and they help pick up litter on school property. They also serve as sponsors of Red Ribbon Week at the school.

"We expect all our fifth graders to be leaders at this school," said Assistant Principal Dan Johnstone. "But you can tell with this group of kids, they'll be our future leaders in the community."


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