OPELIKA- During Tuesday’s Opelika Council meeting, the Opelika Theatre Group’s Penguin Project was recognized as the Good Citizen Character of the Month. An emotional Council President George Allen addressed the character council and those in attendance.
“I’ve had the opportunity to see a group of young people dedicate their hearts and souls to helping others. Tonight, we recognize a group of young students who have chosen to invest their time, talent, and compassion to empower children with special needs through theater.
This amazing group demonstrates loyalty to the community. While many students are balancing homework, extracurricular activities, family responsibilities, and their personal interests, these young mentors have decided to do even more. They have sacrificed afternoons, evenings, weekends, and other opportunities so that another child or adult may feel included, encouraged, and successful.
They show loyalty and patience when progress comes slowly, offer encouragement when confidence is lacking, and provide friendship when it is most needed. Through rehearsals, performances, and countless moments behind the scenes, they have helped children discover abilities they may not have known they had.
The Penguin Project teaches confidence, teamwork, communication, and self-expression, which is evident in their dedication and loyalty. Those with special needs experience the joy of belonging, the excitement of accomplishment, and the pride of standing in this very spot.
What makes this contribution even more remarkable is that they are doing this while still growing and learning themselves. They exemplify a level of loyalty, maturity, and compassion, as well as a certain leadership that inspires all of us who have seen them in action. They remind us that true leadership is not about recognition; it is about lifting others up.
The impact they have made cannot be measured by recognition alone. It can be seen in every smile they helped create, every fear they helped overcome, and every child whose confidence grew because these mentors believed in them. Thank you for your sacrifices and commitment, and for sharing your gifts. Most importantly, thank you for proving that some of the greatest acts of service come from young hearts who make a difference in the lives of others.”
Following Allen’s remarks, Mayor Eddie Smith read a proclamation for the Penguin Project.
“It is a great pleasure to acknowledge you for your outstanding character within the city of Opelika,” Smith stated. “Your goodwill towards mankind in our city has not gone unnoticed. We hope that others will see your good works and model your actions. Please continue making a difference in the city of Opelika and throughout the world.” Smith also mentioned that he recently had the pleasure of attending a performance on a Sunday afternoon and encouraged everyone to take an hour to see the Opelika Theatre Group, as it is an experience that will change you.
