Community Outreach of Thomas Jefferson’s Peyton Schofield Draws Attention, Praise from District Superintendent
As Washington Township Superintendent of Schools Joe Bollendorf recalls it, a story on the late news on September 16th caused him to sit up in bed. And after the remarkable news set in, he decided to pay a visit to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School to single out third-grader Peyton Schofield, the subject of that television feature.
Schofield, after learning about the devastation sustained by families in Mullica Hill, N.J. as a result of devastating tornadoes that followed Hurricane Ida, launched a lemonade stand over Labor Day weekend to raise funds. Her act of kindness resulted in $1,200 in donations.
Superintendent Bollendorf stopped by Linda Wienckoski’s class at Thomas Jefferson to share Peyton’s story with her classmates and to present her a certificate of achievement.
The certificate read in part, “Not only did you show empathy and concern for those in need, you showcased a remarkable level of maturity and leadership in organizing the event. I applaud your efforts in raising $1,200 for The Unforgotten Haven and celebrate you as a shining example of the far-reaching impact that even small gestures of kindness can make in the lives of others.”
“What is a little third-grader going to do after a tornado?” Bollendorf asked the class. “She can’t go over and pick up debris. Peyton decided, all by herself, to have a lemonade stand to help these people. It is important for us to acknowledge Peyton, not only to make her feel good and tell her how proud we are of her, but also because we want to show other people that one person, who decides to do something good, can have a positive impact on other people. It only takes one person, and all of you are one person. What will you do in your life to make a difference?”
Washington Township Superintendent of Schools Joe Bollendorf paid a surprise visit and presented a certificate of achievement to Thomas Jefferson Elementary School third-grader Peyton Schofield on September 17th. Schofield spent Labor Day weekend organizing and running a lemonade stand that raised $1,200 to benefit Mullica Hill tornado victims.
https://6abc.com/ida-storm-recovery-turnersville-new-jersey-helping-neighborhoods/11025219/