Eight Mile School District #6

TRENTON — For the past eight years, Michelle Nelson has taught her kindergarten students a very valuable lesson around Christmastime: it is important to give.

During those years, except for one year (due to COVID-19), her kindergarten class at Trenton School has fundraised for The Leonard P. Nelson Cancer Center at CHI St. Alexius in Williston.

"I started to do it because the ladies, the nurses and everybody there were so good to him," Nelson said, speaking of her father, who had received treatment at the center.

He lost his battle in September 2015 and by that Christmas, she had the idea in her mind. "I wanted to give back."

Additionally, her mother battled cancer "and so many people helped me out as I was taking care of her," which coincided with Nelson's first year teaching, Nelson said. "I just want to give back."

In addition to giving back, Nelson uses the opportunity to teach her students a timely lesson that is found outside of any school curriculum.

"I want to show the kids it's important to give, instead of just get," she said.

On Dec. 16, in the school cafeteria, the class held a bake sale. On a day with four basketball games — a basketball doubleheader, boys' and girls' junior varsity and varsity, between the Trenton Tigers and the Alexander Comets — it was an opportune time. The cafeteria remained busy. 

There, baked goods made by parents, grandparents, and community members lined a long cafeteria table.

"Our community is very giving," Nelson said. "If you say, 'I need help,' they'll help."

Even before the sale started, Nelson received a donation from the family of Rena Turcotte.

"She was a part of our school ... a big part of our school," Nelson said, explaining that Turcotte, who died in 2021 following a five-year battle with cancer, worked as a custodian at the school for 30 years.  

Last year, the class raised a little over $1,000 for the cancer center. This year, Nelson said, she wanted to surpass that goal. 

And that she did. On Thursday morning, Nelson and her kindergarten class arrived at the Leonard P. Nelson Cancer Center with $1,500 in gas and VISA gift cards for the cancer center. 

The students streamed into the lobby, a breath of fresh air and excitement. They presented staff and patients receiving treatment with homemade cards and a few assorted Christmas carols.

The students then left, going about their merry way, leaving behind them a wake of hope and giving. 

Nelson noted that she would like to present the idea of fundraising for the cancer center to classrooms at other local schools. 

"It doesn't have to be (at) Christmas," Nelson said. "It can be any day, because there's cancer all the time."