In recognition of March as National Women’s History Month, several community-minded female students were recognized by Elwood-John H. Glenn High School Principal Corey McNamara at the Elwood School District Board of Education’s March 16 meeting.
John Glenn students Kali Marketos, Riley Perinchief, Ellie Schwartz, Gabriela Solis and Madison Vega – all members of Girl Scout Troop 192 – were honored for earning their Silver Award by making lap blankets for the elderly at Whispering Pines Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Connecticut.
“The idea of providing warm blankets for the elderly was in and of itself was a very thoughtful endeavor, but the girls took it a few steps further and hand-made 70 blankets to be donated,” McNamara said. “They also took a trip to Connecticut, with the help of their parents, of course, to hand deliver the blankets to the Whispering Pines Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. With them, they also brought warm, encouraging and motivational handmade cards to go along with the blankets, and spent time with each and every recipient to chat and learn more about their story. They also made a how-to video for creating the blankets. You can see that this bonding experience provided such a service learning opportunity for these amazing young ladies, and I’m sure that all of them and those who they have helped will never forget this moment.”
Fellow student Sasha Amico was given a community service commendation for her fundraising efforts. Using her experience from previous philanthropic efforts, Amico came up with the idea of Sasha’s Scrumptious Snacks, purchasing bulk snack items and fashioning them into little baggies for sale, raising over $430 for the purchase of sports equipment for students of need in the Elwood community.
“These young women being recognized here tonight are serving as outstanding role models, not only for younger female students, but for all students within the Elwood community,” McNamara said. “Keep up the great work in serving as role models and keep paying it forward.”
Additionally, the Elwood unified basketball team – Chase Abrams, Liul Bitew, Francis Charles, Andrew French, Devin French, Jah’mier Hodge, Francesco Musi, Joseph Pontieri, Ibraheem Riaz, Harrison Schlenker, Hunter Schlenker, Dave Singh and Stanley Yeung – were recognized along with coach Charles Rogener and student mentors Paul Febbraro and Joseph Mammolito. Last year, Athletic Director Dave Shanahan and Executive Director for Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services Eileen Kelly-Gorman presented the idea of starting a unified basketball team to the Board of Education, and the team began play this winter, to great success.
“Unified sports is an inclusive program that combines individuals with intellectual disabilities, and athletes and individuals without intellectual disabilities or partners, on sports teams,” Kelly-Gorman said. “The athletes and partners compete alongside one another, each in a meaningful and integral role on the unified sports team. And because this is a Section 11 sport, they are able to compete against all different schools nearby. The programs aim to build confidence and important social skills, while also providing students a chance to create new friendships.”
Date Added: 3/24/2023