This holiday season, kindness and creativity took center stage as Emma Hartman, a seventh grade student from Calvary Christian Academy (CCA) Hollywood and Miss Sunshine Charity Jr. Teen, led a heartwarming effort to spread joy to local nursing home residents. Hartman, joined by her peers, visited two nursing home facilities in Hollywood – Emerald Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Golfcrest Nursing & Rehabilitation Center – to deliver holiday cards that were made by CCA Hollywood students during their art class and more than 100 flowers generously provided by Joan’s Florist, a local business. Hartman and her classmates went room to room, sharing hugs, laughter, and thoughtful conversations while presenting residents with the handmade cards and vibrant flowers. “Most kids wouldn’t want to come to a nursing home to hang out with the elderly, but these students came and put a smile on our residents’ faces; the residents loved it,” said Mark During, Resource Director at Emerald Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Hartman’s platform as Miss Sunshine Charity Jr. Teen is Stand T.A.L.L., which stands for Truthful, Acts of kindness, Lifting others up, and Leadership. She strives to live out these values and encourages others to do the same. Her heart and passion for serving others began at the age of eight during a mission trip to Ecuador, where she had the opportunity to serve underprivileged children. For information, visit CCAHollywood.org. 38 January 2025 www.goodnewsfl.org Good news • South Florida Edition COMMUNITY NEWS Teen Pageant Queen from CCA Brings Holiday Cheer to Nursing Homes Photo credit: Museum of the Bible Emma Hartman, Miss Sunshine Charity Jr. Teen with classmates from Calvary Christian Academy Hollywood
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