Opportunity Project SC, Bakari Sellers and Hope and Wade King ‘Take Over’ Mellichamp Elementary
March 12, 2020
Day long event consisted of keynote, teacher professional development, and room makeovers, including the creation of a ‘safe, calming environment for students’ designed by Brittany Jeltema, a.k.a. @superheroteacher
On March 9, 2020, Bakari Sellers, Hope and Wade King and Brittany Jeltema ‘tookover’ Mellichamp Elementary School in Orangeburg, South Carolina. The day is part of the professional development for teachers and staff, and culminated in room transformations for the students, including a student safe space/lounge.
Hope and Wade King are highly acclaimed educators and co-authors of the books, “The Wild Card” and “The Wild Card Kids”. Hope is also the co-founder of the popular Get Your Teach On professional development conferences, and together they spearhead the worldwide Rock Your School initiative. Both Hope and Wade were raised in South Carolina, and resided here through college and their first teaching jobs.
On March 9, Hope and Wade King delivered an inspirational keynote for the faculty and staff, followed by model lessons in classrooms that the teachers participated in. Teachers were given the resources needed for the lessons (black lights, decorations, legos, and more), as well as copies of Hope and Wade King’s all new children’s book, “The Wild Card Kids”.
To further strengthen the community in the school, Hope and Wade brought Brittany Jeltema to the team. Brittany, a.k.a. @thesuperheroteacher transforms classrooms and lounges to give students a safe, open and inviting environment. The day culminated in the surprise reveal of a newly remodeled room designed by Brittany. This room will provide students with a safe space / lounge where faculty and staff can provide a consistent safe and calm environment for the students.
“We are thrilled to be back in South Carolina, finding ways to contribute to our home state. Previously, we were able to facilitate a donation of 1,300 desks to schools and students here. We hope to participate in as many projects as possible that allow us to give back to a place that means so much to us,” said Hope King. Wade adds, “As always, Barkari has been incredible. We value the relationship we have with him and believe that together in partnership we have the potential to impact change in the neglected communities, in particular the corridor of shame in South Carolina.”
From professional development opportunities to partnering with some of the leading companies in education, Hope and Wade King hope to bring about transformation and an education revolution to schools who need it most in their home state and beyond.
“The faculty and staff at Mellichamp Elementary were given a treat yesterday,” said Bakari Sellers. “The King’s expertise and innovation provided such a great opportunity for the school. Since the inception of the Opportunity Project SC, it’s been my goal to help provide unique experiences to the communities that need it most.”
The Opportunity Project South Carolina announced its efforts last December and immediately hit the ground running with initiatives and funding partnerships. Led by Bakari Sellers, the organization aims to close the gaps plaguing South Carolina communities in quality-of-life areas including healthcare, education and technology.
