PCES teachers, students moved by support
PHIL CAMPBELL – Phil Campbell residents have received an outpouring of physical support ever since the deadly tornado destroyed much of their town on April 27.
Groups and individuals from the surrounding communities and places as far as Texas and Kentucky have showed up to lend a helping hand during the clean-up process. Companies and corporations have sent monetary donations across the miles to help people in this county they didn’t even know.
But for those who couldn’t physically come and lend a hand or didn’t have the money to send donations, their support came in the form of cards and letters, letting the town know they are being thought of and prayed for even still,
But it hasn’t just been adults and teenagers who have supported the tight-knit community in their time of need. Elementary school children from across the country have also showed their support for the children and faculty of Phil Campbell Elementary School who lost two classmates and a teacher to the tornado.
The entire hallway at PCES has been papered with cards from students from across the country, all offering to pray for and support these children their own age who have been through so much.
“Hi, my name is Callie,” one elementary child’s letter reads. “When I heard about the bad weather, I was very concerned. I hope that you or your family wasn’t hurt badly.”
“Dear Phil Campbell,” Payne from Louisiana wrote, “I’m really sorry about your town. But I bet if you just keep moving forward God will come through and help you rebuild the town and remember if you keep believing in God he will help you get through tough times.”
Other elementary students opted to draw pictures like smiley faces, a cross, rainbows, and even the hands of God reaching down to a city that was destroyed.
“Thousands and thousands of cards have been sent to our children,” PCES Principal Jackie Ergle said. “Children from all over have expressed how they’ve kept us in their thoughts and prayers, and it has just been so uplifting to read these.”
In addition to the many cards, several schools have donated money to help PCES rebuild their playground, which was damaged by the tornado.
Ergle said the students at Elvin Hill Elementary School in Shelby County were sad that children their own age had lost their playground so they wanted to do something to help.
“They had a fun day planned but they cut down on the cost by not having food and only having free rides, and they took the money they saved and gave it to us,” Ergle said. “It was around $1,000.”
She added that Kilby School in Florence had been raising money for a water garden for their school, but they had decided to send that money to PCES instead.
Before a special press conference held at the school on May 20, the students and teachers of PCES all gathered together on the basketball court to publically show their thanks to the many schools who had helped them in many different ways. Students sang songs, help up signs and gave several rounds of applause in appreciation of the cards, donations, and the overwhelming outpouring of love.
“So many people have been looking out for us,” Ergle said. “It’s just amazing.”
Several years ago, PCES adopted the phrase “Hand in hand, together we can,” as their motto, and Ergle noted how appropriate it was now.
“I had no idea when we adopted our motto how much it would come into play now,” Ergle said. “We just can’t thank everyone enough for all they’ve done and continue to do for us.”
