LionHorse Productions

Day 361:

“I am inspired by life itself and all the beautiful things life has to offer.  There are many places to go to and people to see, so every day that I wake, I just look forward to seeing how my day will turn out and what interesting places I will go.”

- Nicola Rhoney, who I met this evening in Victoria’s Secret in Washington, D.C., as I was trying to replace the underwear that was lost in my missing suitcase.  The models in the photographs that are plastered big and bold throughout the store did not take away from the honest beauty that I saw in her kind face.

Day 360:

Today I visited Iver’s pre-school class in Washington, D.C. where I met 19 children ages 2-5.  Their angelic faces lit up like Christmas trees whenever “Ms. Ricks” walked into their field of view.  The atmosphere was energetic yet peaceful, playful yet disciplined under Iver’s calm instruction.  She has been teaching for 37 years and her love of children has only grown exponentially throughout that time.

Day 359:

Maria teaches 4th grade reading in a Washington, D.C. public school.  She is photographed here with her girls as they admire her humor and spirit.  What a joy it was to be in her classroom!  As you can see, this week I’m spending a lot of time in school because I’m producing seven short films highlighting the meaningful work of highly effective teachers in the District of Columbia.  They are the best of the best and it’s been a week that has made me fall in love with school for the first time in my life.  What a difference a great teacher makes.

Day 358:

“Working with students inspires me to think of innovative ways to teach them.  I love helping individuals with the challenges that appear to the untrained eye as ‘I can’t do that’ or ‘they can’t do that’.  I have the ability to encourage children and teach them, ‘Yes, YOU CAN.’   I love teaching.”

- Roaenetta Mayes Browne, a Highly Effective teacher at Sharpe Health School in Washington, D.C.