VOICES OF VU-PHL: Leah Coleman, Stephen Girard Elementary School

Stephen Girard Elementary School, Philadelphia

Happy Friday, VU Crew! We are so excited for our first education-focused event of 2020 next Saturday in partnership with the Stephen Girard Elementary School in South Philly. In advance of the event, take a minute to read our latest Q&A with Principal Leah Coleman:

Tell us about the Stephen Girard Elematnary School and your student body.

Stephen Girard is a K-4 elementary school in South Philadelphia. Our 397 students are almost exactly half male and female, and we serve African American, Latino, Asian, and White students. Our population qualifies as 100% economically disadvantaged. 

What is your favorite part about working at the school?

Our students are the best part of our school. I love coming here every day to talk to them and watch them grow as learners. 

What do you hope to achieve working with VU PHL on February 8?

Our art teacher has been working to beautify the school and we just had YouthBuild come out to paint murals and beautify the school. My goal is for this work to continue and to add more elements of beauty, no matter how big or small, to make the school feel more like a welcoming environment and less institutional. 

What advice would you give to your students about the importance of volunteering and giving back to your community?  

A quote that sticks with me is we rise by lifting others. It is not enough to only consider your own story, we have to consider how we can support one another and grow together, that is what makes a community great.  It is critical that we understand that no matter our class, race, gender, ethnicity, or culture we are all here together and ultimately we have one human story.