Big differences can be made by small actions. Matthew McLaughlin saw a need in his school and took action that impacted everyone at Cartmell Elementary School.
Matthew, who is 9 years old, loves to play football and baseball. You can find him playing for the Yellow Jackets and helping out with the middle and high school football teams. He’s also a consistent presence on the baseball fields at the Carroll County Parks and Recreation fields.
His love for sports naturally led him to notice the athletic equipment at Cartmell was lacking.
“Most of our equipment was beat up and rough,” Matthew said while sitting in his school library. He knew those balls that were peeling or scraped would not last much longer so he and his schoolmates would not be able to use them during recess.
As a member of Cartmell’s Little Leaders group—a program that selects students for their leadership qualities—Matthew decided to take action. He shared his idea to raise money for new sports equipment.
“I told my friends, teachers and everybody,” he said. The 9-year-old with the big smile went door-to-door for two weeks in his neighborhood and talked to family members about donating to the cause.
He raised $228 that was used to purchase soccer balls, footballs, baseballs, kickballs, big baseballs for inside play, tennis balls, frisbees, jump ropes, ball pumps and ball bags. All of these are in the Cartmell gymnasium and go to the playground on most days. Unfortunately, Matthew was sick the day his mom went shopping for the sports equipment, but she took him along virtually.
Matthew and his friends work together after recess each day to collect all of the new balls and store them properly. “We need to take good care of these,” he said.
Cartmell Elementary Assistant Principal Tina Wilson echoed the praise for Matthew. “We are so thankful for Matthew's leadership and determination to improve the play experience for all of our students at Cartmell. Matthew is a compassionate and hard-working leader. Keep your eye on this kid because he is going to do big things!"
Matthew’s thoughtful actions didn’t go unnoticed. His classmates thanked him for his efforts, and his mom, Sherry McLaughlin, couldn’t help but feel proud. “He just made my mama heart proud,” she said.
Matthew’s story is a reminder that even the smallest efforts can have a big impact, and that a little leadership and heart can go a long way in making a difference.