By Fran Tickle
JACK Wilcox and I sat in front of his computer watching it devour our spoken words, turning them into written text.
Jack wanted 450 words to explore my 30 years in the Library at Maleny High School. The computer translated over 4000…
The Library is the best place in the whole school. For me it was the hub of the school, and where I met so many amazing young people. It was a privilege to be a part of their journey.
So many special and beautiful friendships were formed with both students and staff, and many still remain today.
Everyone has their story, and I learned so much from these young people… not just from the good ones, but also from the ones who came from difficult backgrounds, or tended to find themselves in trouble at times, or in fact, just did not want to be there.
In 2005 along with two other colleagues and friends, I went to the Solomon Islands to set up a Library in a School in Honiara.
We spent three weeks there and it was a real eye opener.
This was a turning point, of sorts, for me.
They had nothing. They were beautiful people, happy with the little they had. I returned home wanting to do something.
A book drive followed, and then the question as to how I could get the books over there. Enter Chappy Chris Davis, who suggested I contact the Rotary Club of Maleny.
This was the beginning of a great friendship and relationship with Maleny Rotary.
We continued to send desks, chairs, books, pencils, sporting equipment, etc. for the next few years. Chappy Chris was an integral part of our school, and I spent 15 years on his committee.
Once again it was all about the students and their welfare.
This relationship with Maleny Rotary lead to the Interact Club being formed in Maleny High School in 2005 and continues to this day.
This is an incredible opportunity for young people to learn about the world around them.
It is open to all Year levels and is a student club, run by the students, with the assistance and guidance of a Teacher and a Rotarian.
Although not a Teacher, I ran the Club from 2005 until I retired and then came on board as the supporting Rotarian.
Being part of Rotary is like being part of a family. It is really special.
Our Interact members have constantly amazed me over the years with their dedication, willingness to give, and their generosity of spirit.
They have all left footprints in my heart.
They are our future, and I look forward to the future.
450 words, but so many beautiful memories on the cutting room floor.
