“If you ever have to deal with something that’s scary in your life, at least you saw me do it first,” she said. And with those words, Ms. Spolum reminded all of us, students, staff, and families alike, what real leadership looks like.
This spring, students at Ross Elementary School took to the stage in The Little Mermaid Jr. But behind the curtain was a story of real-life bravery: their director and teacher, Ms. Adonica Spolum, was quietly fighting one of the most difficult battles of her life. Diagnosed with breast cancer just days after the 2023-2024 school year ended, Ms. Spolum began a journey that no one ever expects and few would choose to face in the public eye. But she did. She returned to her classroom following a double mastectomy, scheduling her life around rounds of chemotherapy so she could be present for her students as often as possible.
While she taught students how to project their voices, find their cues, and believe in their roles, she was also showing them something much deeper: how to show up for life, even when it’s hard.
No one would have faulted her for stepping away. But instead, she stepped forward. Not for applause or recognition, but because she believes in the power of showing up. And that is something her students will never forget.
Ms. Spolum has one final surgery ahead. After that, she plans to return full-time next school year.
Read the full story on WGAL, CLICK HERE.