Lesli Thomas | Heber Springs Teacher promotes volunteerism within students

— Lesli Thomas, a math teacher at Heber Springs High School, is promoting community involvement with youth while demonstrating selfconfidence and self-respect.

A native of Heber Springs,Thomas has been teaching for more than 19 years, many of them in special education.

Thomas said she hopes to raise self-esteem and increase volunteerism among students.

“There are so many kids who either don’t have the support from home, or they don’t have the self-confidence, and I like to show them the confidence that I have.

“My mother is extremely active in the community, so I am all for that, and I want to promote that with the kids because there are so many things that they can do,” she said.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in speech pathology from the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville,Thomas received her master’s in early childhood special education from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.The graduate degree is something Thomas considers a major achievement because she completed it while working, having children and being a wife, she said.

Through her recruitment of youth volunteers for special events in the community, including the World Championship Cardboard Boat Race, for which she is a judge, Thomas received the 2009 Youth Leadership award from the Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce.

Aside from teaching,Thomas assists part time with coaching the Heber Springs Junior High cheerleading squad. She has volunteered as a timer for cross-country and track events, as well.

Thomas also is the Student Council adviser and is working to get the students more involved in service projects throughout the community.

“One thing I really want to do is promote volunteerism with youth,” she said.“I don’t think we have enough of that.”

When she’s not devoting time to school activities, Thomas spends time with her husband and four children.

She is a member of First United Methodist Church, where she is a small-group leader with the youth program and is involved with the God Pleasers Choir.

At the end of the day, through her teaching, volunteer efforts and school involvement,Thomas said she strives for students to value respect.

“I try to show respect to all kids so that they respect me and respect what is going on in the classroom and in the community," she said.

One thing not many people know about you: I love to watch football on Saturday.

Favorite quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” - Philippians 4:13 One word to describe you: Caring

River Valley Ozark, Pages 195 on 01/31/2010

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