Written by Antonio Sweeney (posted by Tanya; editor)
Sylvia Tripplett is a loving mother whose vision is to see the city of Flint grow. In 2014, Flint Community schools closed down Dort Elementary. Tripplett and a group of friends wanted to make a positive impact on the situation. Since then, she and her friends have successfully planned annual Back To School events and other community engagements in the summer and fall by creating the Dort Tiger Alumni Association (DTAA) that is funded straight from their own pockets.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the group felt it was unsafe to host an event this past August because of the uncertainty. However this year Tripplett and friends still wanted to keep the same promise by doing a Trunk or Treat that has been done by the group in previous years.
“Times like these are when the community needs to come together the most,” Tripplett said. “We (DTAA) still wanted to keep that motto despite a pandemic.”
With the entire DTAA masked up and ready for the families to enjoy Halloween festivities, the event was a success. With the help of a local charter school (Burton Glen Charter Academy) as new partner with the DTAA the turnout was amazing!
Troy Perkins who has served as a member of the DTAA since its founding understands the seriousness of the virus but has a special message for the community.
“This virus will be here, but we all should value the time we have with each other because tomorrow isn’t promised to anybody,” he said. “So let’s live life now.”
To donate to future projects hosted by the DTAA, call 810-423-5534.
