March 15, 2011

News Release

TISD Students Make Special Contribution to Mercy Ships

Donation Presentation

Wednesday, March 16, 2011
11:30 a.m.
John Tyler High School

1120 NNW Loop 323

Tyler, Texas

In keeping with the John Tyler school motto this year, “Shock the World,” the Texas Association of Future Educators student organization, T.A.F.E., wanted to make a significant global connection.  Using their ideas and resources, the students communicated with Mercy Ships, a global charity that provides medical relief, training, and sustainable development to areas on natural disaster or chronic need, located just outside Lindale, Texas. 

The children of Mercy Ships’ volunteers are educated at the Academy located on the Africa Mercy.  When the T.A.F.E. students learned that the Africa Mercy, now docked in Sierra Leone, off the West Coast of Africa, was in need of new library books due to major flood damages to their library, the T.A.F.E. students sprang into action.   The effort had to be accomplished in a matter of days.   Brian Blackburn, head of the Mercy Ship Academy, is in East Texas for a brief time and will take the books back with him when he returns to the ship later this week.  The students quickly raised funds and purchased new books to donate to the Africa Mercy.  The paperbacks will be used by the elementary and middle school students who attend classes on the vessel.

“With everyone working together, we are hopeful that this vision will become a reality to impact students educationally both in Tyler ISD and on the other side of our world,” said Carol Boyle, faculty sponsor of T.A.F.E.  “I am very proud of the students for their quick action.”     

Mercy Ships are ocean-going vessels that bring hope and healing to the world’s most needy.  Mercy Ships has provided specialized surgeries, dental care, medical supplies, development training, clothing, construction materials, and a message of hope to 90 port districts worldwide.    

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