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By Catherine Ferris
Writer, Trends
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A snowman successfully journeyed 800 miles from Kentucky to Florida to visit students who had never seen snow before.
Robin Hughes, a Tampa, Florida, resident, and teacher at Southshore Charter Academy, told Newsweek this was a plan in the making since she visited family in Kentucky for Thanksgiving. She explained that she realized many of her students did not have relevant knowledge about snow when she was teaching a lesson about weather.
Many know Florida for its warm temperatures, palm trees and beaches—not for snow.
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The National Weather Service recalled the first time in recorded history that snow fell in South Florida on January 19, 1977.
Hughes said her sister, Amber Estes of Danville, Kentucky, agreed to build and send a snowman to Florida. While it took a few months since the idea was first conceived, Estes was able to put the plan into action in early January following a heavy snowfall.
"In early January, my hometown got about 14 inches, so I asked my sister to make the snowman and ship it to me," Hughes said.
Lucky the snowman was officially "born" on January 8, but Estes waited to mail it after Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
A typical shipping package wouldn't do. Hughes told Newsweek she came across a company that ships snow overnight. Using materials similar to the company, including styrofoam and icepacks, Estes packed Lucky packed away and sent the snowman to Florida.
"When I peeked inside, he was a little thinner but was still in good condition," Hughes said.
The snowman appeared intact, complete with blueberry eyes and buttons and a carrot nose.
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Since Lucky arrived, the snowman became an instant hit, not only with students of all grades but also with the adults.
Hughes said the students had an opportunity to touch Lucky and feel the snowman's textures—though Lucky is primarily icy at this point. At least once a day, Lucky will come out of the school's freezer and visit students.
In addition to becoming an educational lesson for the students, some students offered some suggestions on how the snowman could serve a fun role in the school community.
In particular, Hughes said one group of students suggested that they have Lucky hold a sign inviting Tom Brady, the quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, to the school.
Amy Sams, the principal of Southshore Charter Academy, told Newsweek that Lucky will live on with the school. On Earth Day, Lucky will be melted down, and the water will be used for a new plant on the school's property.
Though it took a bit of planning, Hughes said the experience was completely worth it, especially after seeing the reaction from the children.
"Kids need so much joy in their lives and the ability to giggle," Hughes said.
The impact on the students inspired her to continue implementing little things that her students will enjoy.
"As a teacher and a human, it's amazing how the smallest little thing can make a huge impact," she told Newsweek. "I think of the analogy of the pebble going into the pond and the ripple effect. It may be really small, but the impact can go on and on. I won't stop doing little things for my students."
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