A group of Destin High School students is proving that young people can make a big difference in their community through a sports equipment drive that has been months in the making.
- Students in the school’s Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy have spent the past several months collecting gently used sports gear to distribute to young athletes who may need equipment to participate in Little League. The project represents this year’s “Big Impact Service Project” for the leadership program.
“For our Chick-fil-A Leadership Impact Project, we have decided to organize a sports equipment donation for kids in need,” said McCarver Dahlman, one of the student leaders involved in the initiative. “Seeing how many people have already contributed has shown me how much impact we can make when we work together.”
The students chose the sports equipment drive because they understand the role athletics can play in a child’s development.
“Sports help kids build confidence and learn how to work together as a team,” said students Lynlee Armacost and Bailey Gaffney.
- The drive will culminate this Saturday, March 7, when leadership students will set up a tent at Dalton Threadgill Ballpark following the Little League Opening Day parade. Families are invited to stop by and pick up sports equipment free of charge. Chick-Fil-A gift cards will also be available while supplies last.
The project has been made possible through a partnership with Chick-fil-A in Destin, where students participate in monthly Leadership Labs throughout the school year.
“We are especially grateful to Mr. Tripp Hill and Mrs. Jen Alderman for helping make this project possible,” said Mallory McGill, leadership, theater and journalism teacher at Destin High School. “Through this partnership, Chick-fil-A continues to invest in students and support the development of the next generation of servant leaders.”
Leadership students began collecting gear in November, accepting both new and gently used equipment including gloves, balls and other sports items. Those who donated equipment at the Destin Chick-fil-A location received a free cookie or brownie as a thank you.
- McGill also extended gratitude to Katherine Starr of Destin, whose efforts in gathering donations have significantly expanded the drive’s reach and community impact.
The Chick-fil-A Leadership Academy focuses on developing servant leadership skills in high school students through hands-on community projects and mentorship opportunities. This year’s sports drive exemplifies the program’s mission of investing in the next generation of community leaders.
Families who are unable to attend Opening Day but would like to obtain equipment are encouraged to contact Mallory McGill at mallory.mcgill@staff.destinhighschool.org.
