David Higginbotham

Years ago, as a substitute teacher, I covered a class with a student who was known to be rowdy, disrespectful, & attention-seeking. After 3 strikes, I had to walk him to the principal's office. Walking down, I had the opportunity to tell him he could improve, & I knew he could if he tried. This 5th-grade child looked at me as if he had never heard a phrase like that directed at him his whole life, and as if someone had seen him for who he could be. Believing in students gives hope to futures.

In US History, I covered an event called "Bloody Sunday", where Civil Rights Activists nonviolently walked from Selma to Montgomery. A student of mine, who had always believed that if someone wronged them, they would hit back harder with hatred & anger, was intrigued by MLK Jr. saying, "Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." I encouraged this kid to try nonviolent tactics, peace, & empathy. Now, they are friends with those they considered their "enemies". Kindness kills contention.

25% would go toward building curriculum for my students using "The Anxious Generation" and "The Amazing Generation" books to help kids use technology as a tool rather than let tech control them. 55% will go towards future investments for my young family, as I have been married for almost 2 years and am hoping to start a family. 20% will go to other charitable causes.