On Feb. 10, I was lucky enough to attend a program called “Real Men Read” at Nicholson School in the Englewood neighborhood. A group of about two dozen adult males were recruited to read specifically selected materials to the children in the K-8 classrooms. It’s unfortunate that we often only hear the troubling stories of this area in media accounts because this school, thanks to its principal, Rodney Hull, and a talented array of skilled teachers and staff, is truly a gem! The student body was incredibly well-behaved and attentive, the school was immaculate and the idea to place male role models into the various classrooms was ingeniously executed.
In the notes of appreciation that Principal Hull distributed to the guests as they were leaving, he quoted Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Kudos to Rodney Hull and all of Nicholson School as they are certainly on the right path toward making that positive change happen!
— Michael McDonnell, Chicago
