Discovery Elementary Cultivates Character, Compassion Through Honor Flight Fundraiser 

At Discovery Elementary (Fruitvale School District), fostering character, community, and compassion is just as important as academic success. Through the Positivity Project (P2), a program designed to instill positive character traits and strengthen relationships, Discovery Elementary has embraced a culture of gratitude, kindness, and service. This year, that culture was on full display during the school’s community service fundraiser for Honor Flight Kern County, which honors local veterans with a trip to Washington, D.C. 

“It’s a source of pride to see our students recognize they can make a difference, even as youth,” said Fruitvale District Superintendent Leslie Garrison. “They are empowered to give to the community and set an incredible example.”

Discovery’s student council spearheaded the Honor Flight fundraiser, which was supported by students, staff, and families. The school set an ambitious goal to raise $1,500 — the cost of sponsoring one veteran’s Honor Flight. Over two weeks, students brought in donations, often from their own piggy banks, and proudly wore small flag pins to symbolize their support. The school ended up raising an incredible $2,140.

“The students really took to it. They loved it,” said Discovery’s Principal Eva Martinez.

What made this achievement even more special was the decision to sponsor a member of the Discovery community. The honoree, Mr. Burns, is a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient who was also the grandparent of one of the students and frequently volunteers on campus. This personal connection brought deeper meaning to the project for the students.

“He’s great with our kids, so they really loved that it was him,” Martinez explained. “It just made [the fundraiser] mean more to them.

Three student council members attended the Honor Flight Veterans Breakfast to present the donation check and distribute handwritten thank-you cards to veterans in attendance. 

Since its introduction to the Fruitvale School District in 2019, the Positivity Project has become a cornerstone of social-emotional learning and character development. At Discovery, the program’s weekly focus on character strengths — from bravery to gratitude — is woven into every aspect of school life. Staff, including teachers, administration, instructional aides, and bus drivers, display posters highlighting their top character strengths, creating a shared language and sense of community across the campus.

“It gives them an ability to voice some of the emotions that they’re going through that they’ve struggled to previously voice,” said Assistant Principal Kevin Jackson. “P2 has done a really good job of helping them communicate, not only with themselves but peers and staff alike.”

Jackson says P2 has had a positive impact on student attendance and behavior issues. Attendance dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but thanks in part to P2, it has seen significant improvements, reaching 96 percent this year. 

“Students want to be here,” Jackson said. “Students that previously struggled academically have found something that they can come to school for and succeed in.” 

The Honor Flight fundraiser is just one example of how Discovery Elementary integrates P2’s principles into meaningful community engagement. Each grade level participates in annual service projects, from making blankets for retirement homes to creating children’s books for local hospitals. These efforts empower students to give back and develop a lifelong sense of responsibility and empathy.

“Having P2 was that catalyst to get us to do more for our community and come together as a Discovery community and family,” Martinez said.

With the success of this year’s Honor Flight fundraiser, Discovery Elementary plans to make it an annual tradition. Martinez called it a rewarding experience and hopes to continue this partnership and find new ways to give back.

“It was a great experience working with them,” she said. “They were so grateful and so nice. I definitely want to be able to do that again.”

Each grade level participates in annual service projects, from making blankets for retirement homes to creating children’s books for local hospitals.