Four Sixth Graders Help Make Playground a Reality at TFS

Sixth graders Ellis Brode, Emma Kate Bryant, Tigerlily Singletary, and Harper Watson saw a need at TFS and decided to take action. With no playground equipment on campus, the students developed a proposal to raise funds for one and presented it to President and Head of School Dr. Larry A. Peevy.

Their original plan was to sell baked goods to support the project. Instead, Dr. Peevy encouraged them to share their vision during Grand Day and invite grandparents and grand friends to help make the playground possible.

The students approached the opportunity with preparation and purpose. Working alongside the TFS communications department, they helped create a video presentation. The girls arrived with carefully written scripts explaining why the project mattered to them and to the school community.

On Grand Day, the TFS student activity center was filled with grandparents and grand friends as the video premiered. Almost immediately, donations began pouring in, and support for the project quickly grew. Thanks to the generosity of the TFS community, the lower- and middle-school playground became a reality.

Over the past month, the TFS maintenance crew worked diligently to install the equipment and ensure the playground was ready and safe for students. As soon as it opened, students started swinging, making games with the Funhoop, and practicing gymnastics routines on the balance beam. 

This week, those who contributed to the project were invited back to campus for the official opening of the playground. Guests had the opportunity to see firsthand the excitement and joy the new space has brought to students and to celebrate the initiative and leadership of the four sixth graders who helped bring the project to life.