August 20, 2025—The spirit of caring and generosity runs deep in Cobb County. When needs arise, for whatever reason, the Cobb community can be counted on to show up and show out. A recent heartwarming example was shown by Sedalia Park Elementary students when they learned that a former teacher had lost nearly everything in a house fire. Their initiative and compassion prove that Cobb students are learning lessons that go far beyond the classroom.
"I was amazed at how such a large county became such a close-knit community for my family following the fire," said teacher Lindsey Daniel. "These students truly embody what Mr. D [Sedalia Park Principal William Dryden] always reminds us: 'Do the next right thing, even when no one is looking.'"
The students used STEM skills they learned at Sedalia Park to design and build a mobile lemonade stand as a fundraising project. From brainstorming and designing to engineering and marketing, these students took the lead with creativity, teamwork, and empathy at the center of their efforts.
"They showed both compassion and dedication to a subject they truly care about. They identified a real-world problem and worked to design a solution. They practiced critical thinking and problem-solving as they worked through their ideas, using the resources available to them in innovative ways. I’m not sure how many different designs they created, but they demonstrated perseverance and spent the last few days of their summer working hard to raise money for our family," Ms. Daniel said proudly.
Aris Sneed, Lina Sneed, and Joel Hymes are all students at Sedalia Park, and two were former students in Ms. Daniel's second-grade class. They decided to help their former teacher, even though she was transferring to Tritt ES this school year. Their ideas and actions highlight the practical application of STEM curriculum through problem-solving and real-world design. They showed critical thinking and innovation, using the resources available to them in creative ways. They designed and built the lemonade stand without help from parents and pushed it all over their neighborhood, including up a big hill to sell by the pool. And they raised nearly $500 in lemonade sales!!
Most importantly, these students exemplified the values taught and modeled at Sedalia Park, including community, kindness, and leadership. They have learned that they can serve their school community just as much as it serves them.
"Their actions were not motivated by a desire for recognition, but rather by their love for learning and their compassion for a teacher. The Sedalia Park community is beautifully diverse, and it is this diversity that creates a strong, supportive family and fosters unique and meaningful learning opportunities," Ms. Lindsey concluded.
Well done, Aris, Lina, and Joel! Your actions speak volumes about your ability to see the needs around you and do what you can to help. Sedalia Park and the entire Cobb community are very proud of you!
