David Washington, LCSW-C, of the Washington County Health Department and Program Manager Kerry Fair of the Bester Community of Hope connect after today’s screening of “Paper Tigers” at Leitersburg Cinemas. Special thanks to David for his compelling presentation following the film!
Southside Community Block Party
Please come celebrate with us at the Southside Community Block Party on August 20, 2016 for music, food, prizes and much more! The event will be from 12:00pm – 4:00pm at the Bester Elementary Field.
Kids Have the Answers
Looking back at the first half of 2016, as we have begun to build important community opportunities, we have been able to touch lives in many significant ways in the Bester neighborhood. One of the most poignant and memorable events took place on June 1, 2016. This year, a total of 268 students graduated from South High School in Hagerstown, MD and as seen in other communities across the country, the students of Bester Elementary School welcomed the graduating class of South High School with cheers, posters and pride as the seniors walked down the main halls of the school in their caps and gowns. To a third grader, completing high school and graduating seems a lifetime away and to the graduating class, it all went by so quickly. Meanwhile, teachers who invested so much into these young minds are able to see the much needed return on their investment. For some of these young adults, it was a trip back in time as they previously attended the old Bester elementary school, and for all it was the opportunity to show that hard work, persistence and believing in your dreams pays off.
Following the walk through the school, an assembly was held where fifth grade students had the unique opportunity to pose their questions to the seniors who were able to give powerful feedback to their elementary school peers. Valedictorian Emmanuel Teferi offered, “Continually set the bar high for yourself. If you dream high and think this is impossible and too hard, it’s good that it scares you, it means that you’re challenging yourself. My parents were Ethiopian immigrants with little opportunity and I remembered that and when I got to high school I took every shot I could take. I’m happy to say because of that I’ll be attending Princeton University this Fall. This isn’t unique to me, you can do this or whatever your dreams are, but just make sure you stick with them, work hard, and stay true to them.”
When asked how they overcame adversity, one student responded by talking about the power of connection. “My father passed away, people judged me on how I look or my grades, and a lot of things that helped me get through were bands and clubs that made you feel like people actually understood you. So, if you want to feel welcome, join the band or a club because you’ll always have someone to look up to whether it’s a teacher or a friend. No matter what you go through, you can overcome as long as your put yourself in the right place.”
Bester Elementary students also asked “what kept you motivated” and “what would you do differently”? Seniors responded by talking about the people who pushed them to work harder and being willing to take more risks despite the fear that holds them back. One student stated “It’s not always going to be the people that you expect that will put you down, but you have got to fight through it. It gets hard, I’m 6’3’’, but life is going to hectic. You’ve got to get those Jordan’s on and dribble down that court”.
As we move into the future with our community wide efforts, it will always be important to remember that when looking for local and long-term solutions, kids have the answers.
New Social Services Director Pushes Partnerships With Other Agencies
Monday, May 9, 2016
By Tamela Baker, The Herald-Mail Media
When D. Michael Piercy became director of the Washington County Department of Social Services, he knew he had big shoes to fill.
His predecessor, David Engle, had held the position for 27 years, while implementing new programs and overseeing existing ones that affected thousands of county residents.
Click here to view an additional video from Herald-Mail Media »
Trauma Informed Care Event a Success
On Monday, March 21, social workers, educators and more filled the gymnasium of Bester Elementary School as leading trauma experts from across the nation linked findings from the ACE Study (Adverse Childhood Experiences) with staggering proof of health, social, and economic problems resulting later in life. The research, conducted over a 10-year period, by Dr. Vincent Felitti, one of the conference speakers, involved over 17,000 participants and has become influential in demonstrating the need for effectively responding to childhood traumas early.
The conference, sponsored by San Mar’s Bester Community of Hope initiative, the Washington County Department of Social Services, Washington County Public Schools, The Alice Virginia and David W. Fletcher Foundation, and Casey Family Programs had over 400 in attendance.
Presentation Documents
- Download Patsy Sellars, MSW’s Presentation as a PDF »
- Download Dr. Jerry Yager, Psy.D.’s Presentation as a PDF »
- Bester Community of Hope Resources List »
Recommendations from Dr. Vincent Felitti, MD
Event Videos
Comfy Cozy Night Held at Bester Elementary
December 3, 2015
By Kyle Boulier, WHAG
The PTA at Bester Elementary hosted a fundraiser event called “Comfy Cozy Night” for the first time Thursday night.