The Friday Finish - Dedicated Service for 4 Decades - Tender, Joyful Christmas Celebration - "a happy heart" - Community Giving Life

December 19, 2025

“Red Bird… had my back”

She got the porch rocker at her surprise retirement recognition Wednesday, but her colleagues know it’ll be hard to find her just sitting around during retirement. This is Barb Smith’s last week to work as a full time employee at the secretary’s desk at Red Bird Christian School, one she’s occupied since 1989. Barb will be moving to a new chapter of life babysitting grandkids and great grandkids, but she also plans to volunteer at the Mission.

It’s hard to walk away from a place that you’ve given over four decades of dedicated service. Before settling in as school secretary Barb served in a variety of positions over the years - nurse’s aide and cook at Red Bird Clinic; bus driver, cook and Early Childhood Development educator for Red Bird Mission.

Barb’s commitment to Red Bird Mission came through when she said,

“I’ve been through lots [of things]. I’ve had two husbands die and family problems, but Red Bird has always had my back, always gave me the time to do what I needed to do. I couldn’t be more thankful.

“I’ve always gotten along with my co-workers. I always had good people to work with.”

Besides volunteering and babysitting, Barb admitted that she plans to go to some concerts to hear her grandsons, Jagger and Ashton, who graduated from RBCS. The brothers perform with The Creekers, a talented group of musicians from Leslie County that is producing a unique blend of bluegrass, country and pop music that recently signed with Warner Brothers.

A Tender, Joyful Christmas Family Celebration

The Red Bird Christian School Chapel glowed with Christmas music and wonder as students from elementary through high school filled the room with song, instruments, and joyful reenactment. From the tiniest praying hands in the front row to older students’ confident solos, the day was full of moments that warmed every heart.

Kindergarten and First Grade, led by Mrs. Chasley Collett and Arlinda Lewis (Aide), offered a tender reenactment of the nativity. Those little faces and careful movements felt like a living Christmas card — simple, reverent, and perfect for families and students watching. Our elementary students in Grades 2 through 6 joined Mr. Nate, Music Director, for the annual singalong of “Rusty Chevrolet.” That familiar, goofy favorite brought giggles and wide smiles, proving again why families look forward to it every year. Another memorable moment, Trever Osborne, a Senior band student, turned heads with a jazzy take on “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” showing once more that our older students carry forward musical skill and confidence.

Behind every performance and every music note were the teachers and staff who arranged the program, guided rehearsals, and made sure every student had a part to play. That’s why we do this: to celebrate the season together, to let music be the language of grace, and to watch our students fill a room with joy.

Give hope to students at Red Bird School

A Happy Heart

The Red Bird Mission DeWall Senior Center was filled with its usual warmth and cheer Wednesday as they held their annual Christmas party. Seventeen (17) participants enjoyed the festive atmosphere painting tree ornaments to mark the memory of Christmas 2025. There was plenty of suspense during the “Dirty Santa” gift exchange to see who wound up with the least desirable gift at the end of the game. The potluck table filled with favorite dishes added to the DeWall Center family bonding.

Tammy Adams, Elderly Ministries Coordinator, said, “Participants left with a happy heart and a full belly!”

Give hope through Community Aid at Red Bird

Community Giving Life

Christmas is the season of giving and the Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) gave the communities surrounding Red Bird Mission opportunity to give blood to save lives.  The KBC Bloodmobile parked at Red Bird Christian School on Wednesday afternoon with a goal to collect 16 units of blood.

Tracy Nolan, Red Bird Mission Community Outreach Director, coordinated the scheduling with our school and advance publicity with the Red Bird Development staff for this week’s event. Ultimately 17 people registered to donate blood to help with the low blood supply inventory leading up to the holidays. At the end of the afternoon, 14 units had been collected, but KBC staff were still pleased that 48 lives could be saved because of these donations.

KBC staff on site emphasized their appreciation for the coordination and hosting saying,

“Y’all did great! Some bigger schools don’t have that amount of participation. We appreciate you guys.”

Tracy recapped the success of the afternoon stating,

“I was moved by the outpouring of support from staff donating from every department at the Mission and Clinic, including our Executive Director, students from the high school and their parents, the principal and teachers, alumni of our school now in college, participants from the De Wall Senior Center, volunteers and local community!”

Give life through Community Health at Red Bird

Basketball Homecoming Celebrates Students

Tuesday night, Red Bird Christian School’s gym turned into a small-town spotlight on Homecoming night as high school students traded their everyday routines for beautiful dresses, sharp outfits, and a walk of honor. Our girls were escorted by members of the boys basketball team, and in true Red Bird fashion, some even chose to share the moment with elementary students and younger siblings, letting the littlest Cardinals shine under the lights too. The highlight of the evening was the crowning of this year’s Homecoming Court. Trevor Osbourne was named Homecoming King and Annie Sizemore was crowned Homecoming Queen, representing their classmates with grace and smiles that lit up the gym. Daughson Whitehead and Lexi Estep were honored as Homecoming Prince and Princess.

Each student took their turn at center court, pausing for pictures and soaking in the cheers from friends, family, and community members packed into the bleachers. For a few special minutes, the crowns, sashes, and camera flashes weren’t just about titles—they were about celebrating hard-working students who are loved and supported by the people around them. Congratulations to Trevor, Annie, Daughson, and Lexi, and to every student who stepped onto the gym floor that night. Homecoming at Red Bird is more than a ceremony; it’s a reminder of how our school community shows up for one another, dresses up together, and makes memories that will last long after the season ends.