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Students Raise Most Money in NJ for Pennies for Peace Campaign

The New Providence School District raised the most money for the charity, benefiting students in the Middle East, for the third year in a row.

The clatter of change at the bottom of a purse may not seem like much, but even a few cents can make a world of a difference in a child's education.

New Providence School District, in collaboration with the New Providence Memorial Library, participated in the Pennies for Peace campaign this winter, and was named the top fund-raising district in the state with $3,100.50 for the third consecutive year. Added to the $3,021.43 in 2009 and $3,911.30 in 2010, the district has raised a total of $10,039.23 during its three year involvement with the program. 

A small ceremony was held at the high school library on Thursday morning to recognize the efforts of the students and to give contributors the chance to explain what the project meant to them. Cranford Public Library Director John Malar was present to accept a plaque on behalf of Cranford Public Library, who raised more than any other library in the state.

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High School Librarian Judy Gallagher congratulated students from Salt Brook Elementary, Allen W. Roberts Elementary, the middle school and the high school on their outstanding contributions, calling the group "very generous."

"I am so proud of our students and our community," she said. "Last year, they raised this money as well as raising money for the Haitian earthquake, which happened right in the middle of our campaign in 2010. This year, they raised money for the Japan tsunami relief right in the middle of Pennies for Peace. They were aware of what's going on in other parts of the world, and they were generous in supplying the needs that existed. We're really proud of our students and our whole community for participating this way."

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Pennies for Peace is an international service-learning program that uses funds to purchase school supplies for underprivileged communities in Afghanistan and Pakistan. The New Jersey State Library began participating in the program in 2009, to commemorate the bicentennial of Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Lincoln was a great advocate for the ideals of education, equality, opportunity, and peace, and the State Library believed taking part in Pennies for Peace would honor his legacy.

Sharon Rawlins, Youth Services Consultant for the State Library, presented Gallagher with a plaque and commented on the drive of the New Providence youth.

"It's so inspiring to hear about how much money you raised," she said. "Maybe it's because you have a unique situation with the middle and high schools together, and it fosters a friendly competition. Some students told us they wanted to continue next year, regardless if the public library sponsors it. I think you're off to a wonderful start, I hope you continue to do it. Congratulations."

The hearty chunk from the Pioneers was admirable, largely due to the selflessness of its young citizens. Kyle Gechy, a 3rd grader at Salt Brook, donated $150 of his own money that he had saved to spend for himself. Blake Walters, a student in Mrs. Harper's homeroom in the middle school, saved his left over lunch money until he could make a sizable contribution. Mrs. Harper's homeroom raised more than any other class, with $61.61.

The high school's Future Civic Leader's Club took a lot of initiative, placing cans in local business and soliciting audience members at the spring production of Bye Bye Birdie. The hard work was more than worth the satisfaction the students received knowing they had helped the less fortunate. 

"It was worth raising all the money that we did because it gives so many children a better future with the education we helped fund for them," freshman Tom Vicello said. "The money that we spent on all these unneeded luxury items is worth so much more donated to help another child. What makes this charity different from others is that it is for education. We look at that as one of the highest priorities of us. School buildings, supplies, and books are all products of Pennies for Peace. Every penny of that will go towards peace."

"Why would we exert this much energy and effort for kids we will never see in our lives?" sophomore Faben Luchella said. "Here at NPHS we are so fortunate, we have great opportunities. We like to share the opportunities with the less fortunate in the Middle East. That's good enough motivation, I think."

"Somewhere on the other side of the world are some little boys and girls who will be very happy with the money you gave," Gallagher said. "You may never meet them, but your efforts are very much appreciated." 

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