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Tiger Nation has a new meaning at South Davie Middle School – and it all has to do with respect.

Mia Clair Myers, 12, earned $1,000 from the Davie Respect Initiative for a project she hopes will inspire students to show more respect for one another.

She created vinyl posters to place around the school, each with an uplifting quote or idea. “Words are powerful,” she said. “Words can inspire. Words can encourage, and words can motivate others to make positive choices.”

She first discussed the idea with the principal, Melissa Lynch, who jumped on board, helping her to include the Tiger Pledge. Students and staff say the pledge each morning as they begin the school day.

“It reminds us to work hard, have high expectations and show respect to ourselves and others,” Mia Clair said.

The principal helped her decide the locations for the quotes. “She was very helpful throughout this project, and I appreciate the support she gave me.”

Mia Clair and her mom, Kelly, measured the spaces in the lobby area and hallway to help know how large to make the quotes, and before purchasing the vinyl and transfer tape for the project.

She used an online tool called Cricut Design Space to help design the quotes. She chose the fonts, and cut out the quotes using the Cricut machine. She weeded the vinyl and added transfer tape to each quote.

“Finally, we went to South Davie and spent several hours putting up the vinyl. We were careful to center the quotes as accurately as possible.

“Words are powerful and can encourage people,” she said. “I hope these quotes are inspirational to our South Davie Middle School Tiger Nation for years to come.”

She used the encouraging words with the Tiger Pledge to go with the school’s mascot, Tigers: T – Today; I – I Will; G – Give my best effort; E – Expect to succeed; R – Respect myself and others; and S – Show self control.