Principals

“Trinity Lutheran School recently undeerwent a transformation. In my 24 years of education, this in-service activity with the children has been most gratifying. It was incredible to read and witness the emotional and joy-filled responses from one of the exercises that were returned by our students’ loved ones. I am indeed grateful, as are my staff and school families. Our hope is that Trinity Lutheran School will practice bucketfilling always.”

Thomas W. Wrege, Principal
Trinity Lutheran School, Utica, MI

“This is our 3rd consecutive year with the Bucketfillers For Life program. Follow-up is crucial to make sure the message is reinforced. There is great value in BFL’s Maintenance Program, and it enables my staff to carry the message forward in between visits much more effectively.

Bill Cain, Principal
Village Elementary School, Hartland, MI

Our bucketfilling assemblies and workshops have been some of the most impressionistic initiatives we have undertaken! Our students have learned how to articulate and share their feelings with others using positive communication, they know how they can make a difference in someone’s life every day with their words or actions, and they have openly shared what they’ve learned with their families and loved ones! We have received touching compliments and letters of thanks from parents about the “amazing conversations that occurred between their children following these assemblies”. Coupled with a positive school-wide behavior plan that we implemented last year, Bucketfilling has now become part of our school culture. We will continue to host workshops each year to maintain this positive energy in our school community.

LouAnne Pisha, Principal
Crissman Elementary School, Shelby Township, MI

“What a wonderful and heart filled program. The Bucketfillers For Life program is such an easy program to implement, but it’s impact in just these two days has been phenomenal. This program applies to all grades. Kindergarten through eighth grade. Through role playing, our students learned the difference between being a bucket-filler and a bucket-dipper. When it came time for the students to share their “Why I Love and Respect You” sheets, they were very nervous at first. At every session there was at least one student who cried. One of the most touching stories was from a 3rd grader who just lost his Grandmother and as he read his paper, another student put his arm around him for support.

Our Goal is not just to be a “Bucketfilling School”, but for all of our families to become “Bucketfilling Families.” I was so touched at the parent assembly. Some of our parents shared their “Why I Love and Respect You” sheets at the assembly and after the sharing was finished, there was not a dry eye in the audience. So many parents thanked me on the way out for hosting this program and how glad they were that they took time out of their evening to attend. Thank you Bucketfillers For Life!

Kathleen Vafadari, Principal
Immaculate Heart of Mary School, Grand Rapids, MI

“The program for the K-3 students was outstanding.  The students were excited and the teachers were impressed. The program for the 4-8th grades continues to be an extraordinary experience for the students, parents and teachers. Parents have said their children come home and they are different. They ask to help around the house.  They don’t fight as much with their brothers and sisters.”

Suzanne Cowdrey, Principal
St. Mary School, Pinckney, MI

“The entire Farms Intermediate School is now a “Bucket Filling” school.  Our teachers, students, and staff live your message.  Farms Intermediate School has created a safe, friendly, respectful environment, and your message reinforces and builds on our expectations.  Your message has made the students more aware of his/her actions.  Children are wonderful little human beings.  Generally, they want to do what is right, but they must be taught what is right.  I thank you for taking the time to teach them.”

Bonnie Meadows, Assistant Principal
Farms Intermediate School, Hartland, MI

“Thank you for bringing the bucket filling philosophy to our school.  By presenting to our staff, and then to our fourth grade students, I believe we have started something very special here. Throughout the building, I constantly hear discussion among staff, students, and parents about bucket-filling and bucket-dipping.  I can’t wait to see what new creative ideas are developed next school year around this very positive theme.  One of my second-grade teachers indicated to me:  This a wonderful peace-building, tolerance teaching, self-esteem enhancing concept.  Thank you for sharing your heart-warming philosophy with all of us. We look forward to working with you again next year.”

Lindsay Smither, Principal
Lakes Elementary School, Hartland, MI

“It is for good reason that Merrill Lundgren is affectionately known as “The Bucket Man” by students who have experienced his presentation.  Mr. Lundgren certainly connected with our students in grades 4-8.  He has made a significant, lasting, positive impression on individual students, their parents, and on our school environment.   You will not regret taking this opportunity to help students with interpersonal relationships while improving your school environment.”

Mike Kehoe, Principal,
Saint John School, Fenton, MI

“We usually gauge the success of a presentation on the reaction of the faculty and students.  The faculty has totally embraced the concept and will continue it throughout the year because of the effect it had on them personally.  The students have reacted positively to filling each other’s bucket.   We would recommend this presentation to you without any reservations.”

Michael McGonigle, Principal &
Theodora Morgan, Assistant Principal
Holy Family School, Grand Blanc, MI

“I cannot recommend Mr. Merrill Lundgren and his “Bucket Filling” program highly enough.  He has a gift for working with  children and adults, for spreading his uplifting message, and for reaching individuals at a profound level.”

Steve Livingway, Principal
Ore Creek Middle School, Hartland, MI