Great Kids Learning Center pays tribute to their heroes

Local after school program is popular with the students, parents and school personnel.

By Jacque Estes
| 12:47 p.m. May 12, 2017

Abigail Fulghum portrayed Mother Teresa at the Great Kids' Heroes event. Photo by Jacque Estes

Marcus Bean portrayed Nelson Mandela. Photo by Jacque Estes

Wilbur and Orville Wright were portrayed by Zealand Echevarria and Jacob Lloyd. Photo by Jacque Estes

Family and friends filled the pews at the First United Methodist Church for the Great Kids' Hero Fest. Photo by Jacque Estes

Great Kids Learning Center volunteers were thanked prior to the show. Photo by Jacque Estes

Riley Baughman portrayed Abraham Lincoln. Photo by Jacque Estes

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

Osceola Elementary Principal Kevin Flassig was one of a roomful of parents, grandparents and friends who attended the Great Kids Learning Center Hero Fest at First United Methodist Church on Wednesday, May 10.

Historical figures were brought to life as the students gave short monologues about individuals including George Washington, Martin Luther King Jr., Betsy Ross and Mother Theresa.

According to Executive Director Katie Morelli, there are 78 students from four Volusia County schools that

participated in the event.

The event also featured a video art showcase and tribute to the adults that work with the students, and two musical interludes, one dance and another that was signed with coaching from Morelli.

Flassig said the after school program which started this year has provided an enrichment program for students that might not otherwise have the opportunity to go on field trips, learn about gardening and use different technologies.

“The tutors are building good relationships with the students,” Flassig said. “I have seen a positive change in the demeanor of the children and improvement in their social skills as well as their academic achievements.”