KIM BURTON-SCHRAM
Local journalism initiative reporter
Students across Glengarry have been demonstrating their generosity through food collections for Saint Vincent de Paul Society. From elementary to high school, the students put their efforts into collecting cans and non-perishable food to help families who face food insecurity.
Maxville Public School, Iona Academy and Williamstown Public School are just a few of the local schools that participated in the annual Holiday Food Drive. While some schools didn’t have final numbers, Williamstown Public School had collected close to 500 food items for the food bank in Alexandria. Laggan Public School initiated a gift collection where students could donate a new item that would be gifted to families in need.
Glengarry District High School, with the help of the Township of North Glengarry, collected over 700 items for Saint Vincent de Paul’s Holiday Food Drive. Teacher Lindsey Howes said, “This is a great annual event which helps our students make connections with our communities and starts great conversations about food security in our community.”
Char-Lan High School’s Link Crew, with the guidance of teacher Heather Grant, was busy collecting food and spreading happiness within the community. The Link Crew is a group of students providing leadership that encourages a strong, caring school environment which fosters positive development for all students at Char-Lan. The Link Crew recently raised more than $20,000 for cancer research through the Terry Fox Run, on behalf of one of their beloved teachers.
The Link Crew goes by a motto of always trying to be their best and try harder to help others. As part of their “Crusaders Care” initiatives, there was a free community breakfast that included students and families of both Char-Lan High School and the Williamstown Public School, and the Crew led the Food Drive collection. In addition, the students wrote holiday greeting cards for seniors within their community, and through a community volunteer initiative led by Williamstown youth, a light-up float was entered into the Williamstown Santa Claus Parade as a joint effort between the two schools.
Each week throughout the school year, this group of students has organized and led fun, mental health boosting activities, tutoring, study buddies and peer support initiatives.
Grant said, “They are honestly such shining examples of positive young community leaders and I’m so proud of who they are, the skills they’re developing, and the amazing things they’re doing for others of all ages.” She added, “It’s a good news story that shows how many great young people we do have ready to lead us into the future.”
L’article Glengarry high school students praised as “shining examples” of leadership est apparu en premier sur Cornwall Seaway News.
