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December is here, and the season of giving is upon us. As we consider what to give others, our Alumnus of the Month, Reese Hines, encourages us to give from the heart all throughout the year. Reese has been doing just that, and we know you’re going to love her story!
Reese attended Jacksonville High School where she served as a Peer Helper. She loved the principle of being there for others, so she was happy to find her niche in FOCUS. She recalls, “FOCUS was helpful to me because I could find my own way to connect with those around me in a positive light. FOCUS taught me that you can become friends with people you never imagined. You have to dig deeper so that you can find people that are a good representation of you and what you value.”
While serving as a leader in FOCUS, she was gifted a bag of tiny ducks. Reese did not know what to do with them, so she secretly slipped them onto people’s desks and quietly observed. She saw that the reactions were positive, so she began placing them where people in other grades would find them. Eventually she was leaving tiny ducks all around campus. Not only were students finding the ducks, but so were teachers, administrators and staff members. The duck hunt was catching on, and Reese loved seeing smiles and joyful reactions.
After high school, Reese began studying at Jacksonville State University, majoring in nursing. Her classes are rigorous, but she makes it a priority to continue her duck project. She has learned, through social media, that the ducks are helping people at the university. Here are some of the anonymous messages she has received:
“To the duck girl…I hope you have a great day. I haven’t found a duck yet, but I know if I do my day and week will be so much better. Thank you for spreading happiness on campus. You never know what people are going through.”
“Dear Duck Girl…went on a hunt and found some. It did in fact make my day. Thank you!”
Reese Hines, we are so proud of you, and we love seeing how you are giving back and Making A Difference! You continue to be a beacon of happiness wherever you go, and the world needs this now more than ever.
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