The Friday Finish - Red Bird Tornado Response - Fresh Start - Medals & Records - Final Week Accomplishments - Volunteers Work from Home
- Tim Crawford
- May 23
- 5 min read
May 23, 2025
Red Bird Responds to Tornado Victims’ Needs
The tornadoes passing through southeast Kentucky last weekend kept Red Bird families up tracking tornadoes until the early morning hours of Saturday. Trees were downed causing power outages on Saturday putting refrigerated food at risk. Another round of storms Tuesday night took out electricity again into Wednesday and left the Queendale Campus without phone service through Thursday morning.
The devastation of the deadly tornadoes to our neighbors just west of Red Bird’s service area in Laurel County left us with heavy hearts, but Red Bird Mission has taken action to share resources like we did in the wake of the 2022 floods. One couple that has been involved in Work Camp and continues to support our Early Childhood Development Preschool contacted Tracy Nolan, Red Bird Mission Community Outreach Director, wanting to help with tornado victims.
Red Bird staff pulled child and adult diapers, feminine hygiene products, disaster cleanup buckets, sanitation supplies, and first aid supplies from Community Outreach pantries that were in short supply in the tornado disaster zone. The monetary donation being sent will help replenish the Community Outreach pantries and cover cost of transportation to the disaster zone. Staff delivered those items on Wednesday and are scheduling time to help with food preparation and distribution in the days after many of the first response volunteers will leave to return home.
Please join us by praying and supporting the people recovering from these devastating storms as well as the many volunteers that are responding on the scene.
A Fresh Start
Red Bird Mission (RBM) provided space Tuesday to AppalReD Legal Aid, a private non-profit law firm funded by public and private grants and donations, to assist individuals needing a fresh start. Red Bird Mission also helped promote the free expungement clinic that offered 27 area residents the opportunity to remove charges from their criminal record that may be preventing them from employment or access to certain services. Staff at AppalReD Legal Aid were so satisfied by the community participation for the expungement clinic that they are already working with RBM staff to schedule a date to offer a free wills clinic soon.
Medals and Records
Red Bird Christian School Track and Field finished their season strong at the Kentucky High School Athletic Association Class A Region 6 Championships on Wednesday. The event was postponed due to severe weather expected on Tuesday for Somerset where the deadly southeastern Kentucky tornado hit the ground last weekend, but Wednesday was a beautiful, mostly clear evening for track and field.
Freshman Skyleigh Davidson led the team with honors medaling in the Girls 400 meter Dash and Girls 800 meter Run. Sophomore Ashton Lewis advanced to the finals in both Boys Shot Put and Boys Discus bringing home a medal in Shot Put while setting a personal record of 37’ 4.5” in the event. Freshman Kadence Nolan set a personal record in the Girls 200 meter dash.
Final Week Marks Student Accomplishments
As the school year wound down, the final week at Red Bird Christian School was nothing short of spectacular. Filled with joy and meaningful moments, it celebrated students’ hard work and milestones.
The festivities began on Monday, May 12th with Student Appreciation Day, a favorite for students in Kindergarten through 6th grade. The children enjoyed an exciting day in London, Kentucky, at Party Palace. There were go-karts, pizza, and arcade games, making it a delightful reward for a year’s worth of effort. Preschool students also had a memorable experience as they celebrated their graduation at the Party Palace. Middle and High School students filled part of their Monday prior to the start of final exams with an all comers talent show at the school.
The spirit of competition and teamwork shone brightly on Tuesday, May 13th, during the Annual Sports Awards ceremony. This event highlighted the dedication of athletes across elementary, middle, and high school grades. The school recognized students for their achievements in various sports, from archery and basketball to cheerleading, cross country, track and field, and baseball.
On Thursday, May 15th, attention shifted to the Kindergarten through 6th grade for the annual Kindergarten Graduation and Elementary Awards. Kindergarten took center stage in their tiny caps and gowns with their loving teacher, Mrs. Chasley Collett. Held in the chapel, proud parents showed up excited to cheer on their children's achievements.
Friday, May 16th, marked the last day of school, serving as a bittersweet conclusion and a celebration of achievements. The Middle and High School Awards took place in the gym, recognizing students for both academic success and personal growth.
The last week at Red Bird Christian School was a perfect mix of fun, reflection, and recognition. As the school year wraps up, the memories made during the week will motivate students as they face new educational challenges. The dedication and spirit shown in these final events really capture what Red Bird Christian School is all about. Here's to many more awesome years ahead!
Volunteers Work from Home
It’s not the first time someone has volunteered at Red Bird Mission (RBM), and gone home to raise support for needs here, but Tracy Nolan, RBM Community Outreach Director, was excited to share the news this week about two recent volunteers that are sending winter scarves to help when cold weather returns. Lois and Loraine (cousins) spent a week volunteering in Community Outreach, but went home wanting to do more to help.
Lois wrote,
“Thank you for all that you do at Red Bird Mission to serve the families in the surrounding communities. My cousin Loraine and I were grateful to be able to work with you for a week. I hope we completed the task to your satisfaction.
I have ordered some winter scarves for children. I ordered through Amazon to ship to you at Red Bird Mission.”
Families will be applying for Backpack Assistance in the month of June so it’s not too late to send a new school backpack, or two, to help a student in need. A check this week with Community Outreach revealed that $2,500 is needed to fund clothing vouchers ($25 per student); in kind donations of backpacks for middle school and high school students; scientific calculators; and construction paper can be sent during the month of June.