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February 14, 2005

Woodbridge Elementary Students Raise $3,420 for Tsunami Relief

Mayor Praises Practical Citizenship and Service Commitment

For many American students, world geography has typically been about distant places and obscure customs. After December’s Asian tsunami disaster, the subject has become much more immediate and personal.

During a two-week period in January, students at two Woodbridge Township elementary schools raised $3,420 to contribute to the international tsunami relief effort. They will be honored for their efforts by Mayor Frank G. Pelzman and the Woodbridge Township Council at 6:45 p.m. Feb. 15 at Council chambers, 1 Main Street in Woodbridge.

“Today’s world has become inter-connected as never before,” says Mayor Pelzman. “Our economics, health and security are impacted every moment by people and events thousands of miles away. It is gratifying to see these students have already acquired a social outlook that prepares them for this new global reality.”

As soon as students at Pennsylvania Avenue School 27 and Lynn Crest School 22 returned from holiday break, they began making plans to contribute to the relief fund. “Our students have always been generous in supporting community and school projects,” says School 27 principal Denise Smith. “The student council set a goal of $1,000, and that was surpassed the very first day.”

The campaign at School 22 was aided by the power of the literary muse. Fifth-graders Taylor Hopf and Joseph Handville wrote a poem, Tsunami, that was included as part of the request letter. “We were happy to see students incorporate their creative talents into the project,” says School 22 principal John Crowe.

“The mark of a truly civilized society is how we respond to others in time of catastrophic need,” says Mayor Pelzman. “The leadership and participation of these students is evidence that the character principles taught in our schools are being translated into positive action.”