The Pay It Forward Challenge

Challenge participant Michelle Wells works at Uhlich Academy and Day School in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago. Staff members there work with emotionally and behaviorally challenged students who have not succeeded in traditional public schools. "It takes a special person to work here," Michelle says. "You must be dedicated, and the dedication is day to day."

Michelle wants to do something special for the hardworking employees of her school, so she decides to throw a staff appreciation breakfast. She wants to treat them with time to relax and mingle with each other—something that doesn't happen much on a regular school day.

The school's principal, Diane, is grateful for Michelle's thoughtfulness. "These people are living the 'pay it forward' philosophy every single day," she says. "We're thrilled that you have given something to these people who give so much."