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Sonelia's first fundraiser!
If you have read my articles in African American Point of View, you know that I consider myself blessed beyond measure for the family, friends, and opportunities that life has bestowed upon me as a wife, mother, Adjustment Counselor, and community volunteer. And though the neighborhoods in which I serve have been designated as some of the poorest most violent in the Commonwealth, you may also know how much faith I have in the power of education and hope; holding forth the steadfast belief that education is the foundation for life and that hope is the persistent shining light in that life.
Among these blessings, I have been gifted the chance by African American Point of View to share my opinions on topics grounded in education, but spanning content from advocacy, reform, purpose, teamwork, poverty, enrichment, mental health, community engagement, differentiated learning, leadership, etc. Woven within these themes and serving as the positive force behind each are the tenets of faith, hope, love, honor, respect, appreciation, inspiration...
My mission in expressing thoughts and feelings on an array of topics is to convey my understanding that the issues facing our city, community, and country are profoundly complicated, but that the answer to those problems is profoundly simple… Education. The guiding premise under each article is that as a society we need to understand the relevance of education. To see the grand vision beyond feeling satisfied that we have done our civic duty by supplying an education; and recognize that our vision should be not only the provision of the education, but an appreciation for the value that that educated person now brings to society. Our vision should be that education is not the end product of life, but the foundation for life…
Education: Our Foundation - A Portrait in Words and Beauty brings together my sentiments on education and hope along with the vibrant expressions of nature’s beauty captured in photographs taken by my brother, John Pedace, who sadly passed away on June 7, 2017 after his fourth battle with cancer. My pieces and the photographs themselves - traditional, abstract and artistic - symbolize the ways in which we find beauty in all forms in the diversity of our students, educators, schools and community. Some of the pictures are classicly beautiful – waterfalls, sunshines, beachscapes and flowers, while others are dark, formidable, odd and quirky. These contrasts are purposeful and necessary in representing how we should find beauty in every shape and form. Adjust our view – our perception – to see past the brokenness, dishevelment, or disarray and see the glory in the diversity.
Educators on every level are beautiful in spirit; and education is beauty in its purest form – the giving of ourselves to others so that others may shine. Born from a passion and commitment to celebrating education, this book is a tool in raising awareness for education – formal or informal - as the foundation for life; and honoring educators in any capacity who embody compassion and knowledge, and who are dedicated to serving others. Each page – a small but valuable piece in supporting that grand vision to which we should aspire, leaving a positive legacy for education…
Your generous donation of $20.00 or more (cash or check payable to Sonelia Incorporated) for a copy of this book will play a significant role in the manifestation of this legacy by supporting educational and enrichment experiences that might not otherwise be possible for so many youth and families. These include, but are not limited to: The Officials Club Boxing program for at-risk youth, the Peace through Education Acceptance Courage and Expression (PEACE) Poetry Hip Hop program, Attendance incentives, United in Hope Celebrating Education Community Engagement event, Character RISE! Character Development initiative, Celebration of the Arts youth performance showcase, uniforms, field trips, and positive behavior incentives.
With questions or if you are interested in hosting a book signing, please feel free to contact me at 413.372.3767.