Think of some of the most absurd and wonderful ideas you’ve had as a child. What sort of dreams did you have for the future? Those dreams, including the ones you have now, very well can make a difference for the better.

That was the goal of Cumberland County Elementary School, Longwood Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Barnes & Noble at Longwood when they hosted an event for a third grade class that encouraged students to form their ideas.

The event originated with third-grader and Cumberland student Channing Bailey, who likes pizza and robots. Channing thought his idea of bringing the two together could make a good restaurant and a great source of entertainment for children in Cumberland County.

He sent his idea through a detailed, handwritten letter with graphs and sketches to the SBDC.

“It would make a lot of children happy,” the letter from Channing read.

Sheri McGuire SBDC executive director said that she was inspired by Channing’s letter and by his determination. She and the school division wanted to respond by showing children that their ideas had potential to change their communities.

McGuire discussed how ideas came to light, the importance of having others’ input in developing ideas, and making sure not to give up.

Amber Clark, store manager with Barnes & Noble at Longwood, talked about how her idea to open the bookstore at North Main Street came to life and how it continues to provide a place for families, college students and readers to enjoy books. The store donated copies of the book, “What Do You Do with an Idea?” by Kobi Yamada, to the elementary school library.

I found Channing’s actions to be gusty and encouraging, and found the response from different community organizations to support area youth to be immensely important. Ideas can shape history, shake the status quo and create change for the better.

The entire course of public education in the United States was shaped in a major way by high school students in Prince Edward County in 1951, through the leadership of Barbara Rose Johns in bringing Brown v. Board of Education to light.

I’m grateful to have seen community organizations, including Cumberland County Public Schools, SBDC and the Barnes & Noble at Longwood support the next generation of idea-havers, to support how youth could change the world and their communities.

EMILY HOLLINGSWORTH is a staff reporter for The Farmville Herald and Farmville Newsmedia LLC. Her email address is Emily.Hollingsworth@FarmvilleHerald.com.