Julius excitedly waited with his hand up for a long time while his kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Aldridge was teaching the children what plants need to grow.  She was wondering what Julius could possibly add to what she felt was a straight forward and complete list, but then again, she chuckled in her head, it was Julius. She called on him and  in his 6 year old voice (those adorable innocent voices) he said, in such a matter of fact tone, "Mrs. Aldridge, ... in addition to soil, water and sun, most of all, plants need LOVE." In her 25 years of teaching this lesson, no student had ever added love to the list. She later told us she became very emotional and wanted to give him  a  big hug but instead, she asked Julius to come up and add Love to the list (picture in the background.)

 

This story is about feeling beyond our thoughts and Mrs. Aldridge, an extraordinary person, and an extraordinary teacher. She was an amazing gift to every child who was fortunate enough to be her student because the minute they walked into her classroom, she genuinely made everyone feel like they were loved and the center of the universe.  I personally witnessed this daily.  Mrs. Aldridge made it her responsibility to create the nurturing space for each child to feel safe, in order, to experience their truth and function at maximum potential.  Julius was able to think out of the box because of her love, dedication and the environment she created. It is this experience the Julius William Pieranunzi Academies will embody and provide. We thank you Mrs. Aldridge for having been such a bright light and touching so many lives. We all miss you so much.

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With your help, we will make these Academies a reality for children all around the world

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