See photos here:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1-vARaxdMCEXy1qYNROJr95cCs7RgQy0-
December 16, 2024 — Over five years ago, Blythe Zemel, a native Houstonian and dedicated art teacher, crossed paths with student Payton Neuman in a community art class in the rural Texas town of Bandera, TX. Payton is now about to graduate high school and Blythe went on to successfully found and lead “Girl with Grit”, a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls and women with tools and in the skilled trades. Yesterday, she made a deeply personal gesture by returning a cherished Girl with Grit mascot – the program’s 1934 Chevy Truck—to Payton, in honor of his late grandfather, Mel Lee Ellenwood.
After purchasing the truck from Payton’s Grandpa or “Opa”, Mel, years ago to teach children practical, hands-on skills. The truck became a launching point for Blythe’s idea for the nonprofit, “Girl with Grit”. “We went out to a field with over 20 girls and worked alongside Mel to get the flooded engine out. It helped to raise awareness and funds to support the organization’s mission of closing the gender gap in the skilled trades and teaching tools as a practical life skill.”
The truck embodied the very values that Mel had instilled in his her through his mentorship – craftsmanship, knowledge-sharing, and hands-on learning. Blythe knew that returning the truck to Payton would be a meaningful way to honor Mel’s legacy with his Grandson. “It will give him a project to look forward to. Mel taught me that the fun of a project is dreaming about it. I want Payton to be able to dream about his Grandpa’s truck.”
Mel Lee Ellenwood was known for his generosity, cowboy attire, and love of working with his hands. “I always heard stories about Payton and Mel doing projects together, whether it was building a deck, running a chuckwagon catering service, or simply showing him how to salvage something and make it new.” Payton, who spent countless hours working alongside his grandfather, recalls those moments fondly and the lessons they imparted.
When Mel passed away in October 2024, the loss was felt deeply by his family and friends. Blythe saw an opportunity to honor the man who had given so much to others.
Yesterday, the 1934 Chevy Truck was returned to Payton in an emotional ceremony. As part of the tribute to Mel’s memory, Blythe and the team at ”Girl with Grit” transformed the truck into a holiday photo booth at the Agricultural Museum and Arts Center in Boerne, TX, located just 20 miles from Mel’s home. The event was a beautiful reminder that the bonds between mentor and student often transcend the classroom, extending into the broader community and beyond.
For Payton, receiving the truck was an incredibly meaningful moment. “It’s hard to put into words what this means,” said Payton. “He loved teaching me and showing others the value of working with their hands.”
This gesture highlights what many educators already know: the impact we have on students doesn’t end with the classroom. Teachers often go beyond to show their students they are cared for and supported. Blythe’s commitment to Payton and his family is a testament to the lasting relationships educators and mentors build with their students—relationships that can have a profound impact long after their time together.
The 1934 Chevy is not running but proudly sits at the Agricultural Museum and Arts Center, 102 City Park Road, Boerne, TX transformed into a holiday photo booth for visitors to enjoy through December.
If you are interested in helping Payton improve his Grandpa’s Truck, please contact info@girlwithgrit.com.
About “Girl with Grit”
“Girl with Grit” is a nonprofit organization founded by Blythe Zemel that is dedicated to providing girls and women with the training, tools, and confidence to succeed in the skilled trades. Through hands-on workshops, mentorship, and partnerships with organizations like Texas Women in Trades, *Girl with Grit* is helping to close the gender gap in industries like carpentry, plumbing, welding, and electrical work. Girl with Grit is primarily based in Texas and was founded in San Antonio, TX. It’s sponsored by companies such as DEWALT Tools, City of San Antonio, and more.
For more information, visit www.girlwithgrit.com or social media @girlwithgritprogram.
Contact:
Blythe Zemel
Founder & Executive Director
Girl with Grit
Email: info@girlwithgrit.org
Phone: (832) 721-4469