Work Hard and Be Kind at Columbia School District!

Morrie Boogaart was known as the Hat Man.  For more than 15 years Morrie worked diligently knitting hats for the homeless.  In his former life Morrie was in the Navy during World War II, owned the Bergsma Bakery, and was a custodian at the Third Reformed Church in Grand Rapids. 

When Mr. Boogaart was bedridden with cancer, he couldn’t sit idly by, his servant’s heart made him stay active caring about the needy.  He began knitting hats for the homeless.  Eventually Morrie was transferred to Hospice care.  Over the years, Morrie knitted thousands of hats which made a difference to the homeless people who received his handmade hats.  One observer, Abbey Sladick, was quoted as saying, “Morrie teaches everybody that no matter how old we are, or what medical condition we may have, we can all give back in some way.  We can all learn from Morrie Boogaart.”  Over his fifteen years of knitting Morrie Boogaart knitted more than 8,000 hats.  He became so famous for his hats, individuals around the world sent him yarn to support this great work.

Although he passed away at 92 years old, over two years ago, his servant’s heart and sacrifice is still inspiring people who were touched by his story.  The Columbia School District is filled with people with a servant’s heart, who care about the community and the students.  At Columbia Elementary and Columbia Upper Elementary School the motto is “Work Hard and Be Kind.”  Similar to the amazing kindness exhibited by Morrie, our students are focused on being kind.

At Columbia Elementary School, students show kindness by helping out after an activity or program.  At the end of recess they assist by collecting the equipment and putting it away.  Mrs. Wright, principal at Columbia Elementary School, said that the students are so helpful and assist the custodian by picking up trash in the cafeteria after lunch, support other students when their lockers are stuck, and return lost and found items to the office.  Mrs. Wright continued by saying that “it is super cute to see students help each other get their boots on during the winter.”

Students at Columbia Upper Elementary also focus on showing kindness and working hard.  Mrs.
Schatzel, the school counselor said that, “When they interact with each other or an adult in the building, they say kind words, give words of complements or encouragement to their friends.  They may help a fellow student pick up things they dropped or assist their teacher."  Mrs. Schatzel, went on to comment about how hard the students work on a daily basis and that they focus on following rules and procedures, along with doing what their teachers directed.

Columbia School District teachers, staff, and administrators are proud of our students as they work hard and be kind to one another.  We praise our students for their servant’s heart and their positive demeanor.  Having such wonderful students who have the heart of kindness makes Columbia a great school district!  If you are interested in learning more about Columbia School District, email me at Pamela.Campbell@myeagles.org or call 5175926641.