Opportunity for All
Acts of kindness very often go unseen in today’s world. The news is constantly focused on polarizing topics that often rob us of our time and in exchange makes us feel fearful about the things that occur daily. Sometimes there are a few stories that inspire change in all of us.
In Bowling Green, Kentucky, a department of law enforcement decided to do their part in the community by providing a wholesome experience to Warren County Public Schools’ Jackson Academy. Chris Shelton, a deputy of the department, was having a conversation with the students about being kind and using proper manners. He used a Chik-fil-A example and then suddenly one thing led to another.
“Some of the kids were like, well, I’ve never had Chick-fil-A, I don’t know anything about it,” said Shelton.
The deputy was bewildered at the fact that the students had never experienced a Chik-fil-A meal before. He took matters in his own hands a purchased a whopping 60 Chick-fil-A meals for each student. His sweet act of kindness cost him approximately over 200 dollars.
“We decided that we would get Chick-fil-A for every kid in the building,” said WCPS Resource Officer, Deputy Chris Shelton.
Now that’s a servant of the community. Shelton’s actions have garnered attention everywhere, especially on the internet. Many from the local communities are hailing him as a hometown hero for his selfless gesture that has won the hearts of many.
“I have seen smiles yesterday on kids that I’ve never seen a smile in this building before. It was a really good reaction, worth every penny. Just to show them, hey, you know, just because I wear a badge and a gun and a law enforcement officer. We are not bad. You know, we’re just, we’re here to help,” said Shelton.
That’s called leading by example
With so much controversy surrounding law enforcement nowadays, it’s great to see them respond in a positive manner by encouraging students to work hard, be honest, and follow their dreams to heights they’ve never imagined. It’s also to let them know that no matter what background the students come from, they should all feel like they’re special and have a gift to offer.
“There were students who had never been to Chick-fil-A, or they follow Chick-fil-A as if it was like what we would think of is a high-end, expensive restaurant,” said program director for Warren County Day Treatment, Anthony Young. “A lot of my students, all they hear is bad things about police and he’s able to really change that narrative.”
“Just by being himself, just by being interested in the students, hearing stories about the students and figuring out how he can assist and how he can meet those needs of our students, just building a great relationship with them, where they, in turn, learn that police are not all bad and you don’t have to be afraid of the police officers.”
Talking and listening is all it takes
This is the kind of support kids and students around the nation need from their local law enforcement. The fact that Deputy Shelton took his time to do all of this is beyond admirable. It should encourage troopers around the nation and even around the world to be as involved as possible with the youth.
It’s great to be able to have people like Shelton. His deed will be remembered for a long time to come, not just by those who’ve read the story, but by the hearts of the students whose lives he has impacted the most.
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