The adage “It is better to give than to receive” reflects the generous spirit of the 2006-2007 LEAD Fairfax Administrative Interns. Through their recent adopt-a-family project, the cohort brightened the holidays for a Fairfax family in need. Intern Marcy Miller, who is also a member of the LEAD Fairfax Department of Student Services Cohort, spearheaded the group effort. After the family was first contacted by FCPS social worker Lisa Granados, Miller and the mother compiled a holiday wish list. “She was very humble,” said Marcy. “Her wish list included items for the three children, but absolutely nothing for her.”

“I choked up when I learned that the mother wouldn’t tell Marcy what she wanted for the holidays,” said Jorge Gonzalez, as he sorted through a pile of presents being wrapped at the cohort’s December 21 meeting. “This is very exciting—sharing what we have with others.”

Each intern donated $50 and then formed four teams of holiday shoppers. The aspiring leaders agreed that the process of selecting perfect gifts for a toddler, kindergartener, and first grader was almost as exciting as the actual gift giving. “Although we bought many items on the wish list,” said Carlyn Floyd, “we also included a few surprises, such as a store gift card and microwave oven.”

“I chose things for the children that I know my own three-year-old son enjoys,” said Lisa Pilson, who shopped with Floyd at Toys-R-Us. “The mother previously told her children Santa wasn’t bringing much this year: We are thrilled to have proved her wrong!”

The Fairfax County School Board recently adopted a strategic governance manual that includes the belief “A dynamic partnership among students, parents, teachers, staff members, and the community is critical to exceptional student achievement.” The LEAD Fairfax adopt-a-family project puts this belief into action.