What started as a fun raffle prize quickly turned into an act of generosity at St. Gabriel School in Concord Township. Maverick and Harland Howells, whose parents won the Principal for a Day raffle at last year’s PTU Gala, spent the day helping Principal Kumazec lead the school — and left a lasting impact.

The brothers jumped into their leadership roles with enthusiasm, assisting with morning announcements, supervising a fire drill, and selecting new school stickers. But they didn’t stop there. The Howells used their “principal power” to declare Friday a Destination Dress Down Day, inviting students to wear shirts from their favorite places and to kick off SOCKtober — a month-long sock drive to benefit both City Mission and Adoption Network Cleveland.

“We wanted to do something that helps people,” said the Howells brothers. “Everyone needs socks — especially when it’s cold!”

Principal Kumazec praised their initiative: “Maverick and Harland showed what true Grizzly Power looks like — leading with kindness, faith, and service. They turned a fun experience into something that will help so many in need.”

Throughout October, St. Gabriel students and families were encouraged to bring in new socks of all sizes to support City Mission’s outreach to the homeless and families in crisis, as well as Adoption Network Cleveland’s work connecting and supporting children and families throughout Northeast Ohio.

Thanks to two young leaders with big hearts, St. Gabriel’s SOCKtober spirit warmed more than just feet this fall.