Scott Tech’s Kadence Harris Memorial Toy Drive:
A Heartfelt Tribute and Community Success
Monett, MO, December 18, 2023 – Scott Regional Technology Center (SRTC) students came together in a touching display of community spirit, achieving great success with the Kadence Harris Memorial Toy Drive. This meaningful event, organized in memory of SRTC former student, Kadence Harris, brought joy to numerous children, highlighting the profound impact of unity and compassion. SRTC is a regional vocational and technology center for high school students that serves 13 surrounding school districts. Kadence Harris was an aspiring automotive technician excelling in Scott Tech's Auto Technology program under the mentorship of Instructor Chris Lee.
On June 3, 2023 between her Junior and Senior years in the Automotive Technology Program, Kadence tragically lost her life during a fundraising motorcycle poker run for the Linn Thornton Christmas Toy Drive. In August , which would have been the beginning of Kadence’s Senior year, Mr. Lee proposed to Mrs. Garner-Ash, the lead SkillsUSA advisor at Scott Tech, the concept of a toy drive in memory of Kadence.
The student leadership team at Scott Tech quickly took the idea and worked tirelessly to engage the entire Scott Tech community in this initiative, a project that Kadence had held close to her heart. The initiative began with "Christmas in the Commons," where students were welcomed back from Thanksgiving break with hot cocoa and popcorn.
The beautifully decorated Scott Tech Christmas tree, crafted by Darissa Ennes and her mother, Nidia, set the stage for a winter wonderland featuring trees and toy boxes from each Scott Tech program, representing their unique occupational areas.
A panel judged each class's contribution for creativity and representation of their technical specialties. The top class was rewarded with a pizza party, second place enjoyed donuts and cookies, and third place earned a discount card to the Scotty Store. The true essence of the event was seen in the generous spirit that emerged among the students as they eagerly filled the winter wonderland with toys, creating a heartfelt project that Kadence would have undoubtedly cherished.
Kadence's father, alongside Ernie Thornton, visited Scott Tech on Thursday, December 14, 2023, to witness the heartfelt contributions in his daughter's name. Mr. Harris was deeply moved by the beautiful Christmas trees, each representing not only Kadence's interests but also commemorating her friends lost and injured on that fateful day.
Heartfelt gratitude is extended to Chris Lee for his inspirational initiative in organizing a toy drive in memory of Kadence. The Scott Tech Leadership Team feels deeply honored and humbled by the community's enthusiastic participation in this meaningful endeavor.
The Scott Tech family is grateful for the collective efforts that have made this memorial toy drive a resounding success, reflecting the strength and compassion within our school community.