Bonnie Tolson area poet, author, actress and singer is helping 7^th graders at Harmony Middle School find their poetry voice thanks to a grant funded by the Blue Valley Educational Foundation.

            Students were introduced to volunteers from the Lighthouse Center, that provides shelter for homeless people, at the beginning of the week. The next day, Tolson talked to the students about homeless people, aging people and volunteering and read her poetry that connected to these themes.

            "We all came with our own special, individual gift and each of you can give a gift," said Tolson.

            Next week the students will begin writing their own poetry about compassion, frustration and giving. Tolson will help their students with their writing and the grant will culminate in student performance.

            Harmony students will also be blogging with Overland Trail Middle School students. OTMS students will create artwork that compliments the poetry. The artwork and poetry will be a gift to the Lighthouse Center and be on display there.

            Ronda Hassig, library media specialist, and grant author said, "The students will be writing something from their heart that may help someone at the Lighthouse Center. This gift will be much more helpful than a monetary donation."