John Witherspoon Middle School Wins NJ Governors Cup for Efforts to Combat Hunger

JW Hunger Challenge Princeton

 

John Witherspoon Middle School students took the 2014-15 Students Change Hunger Challenge to heart, and collected more than four tons of food for those in need this winter.

The students were awarded the Governors Cup for their efforts this month.

The students collected 8,789 pounds in food, plus monetary donations, to benefit the Mercer Street Friends Food Bank in Trenton.

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Students said the key to the success was school-wide participation under the leadership of Peer-to-Peer and Do Something Club students, who implemented a series of challenges throughout the school and the local community.

“It’s been an amazing experience to see our whole school unite and help stamp out hunger close to home,” student Harvi Shergill said. “With all of us working together, with the support of our dedicated teachers Ms.Riely and Ms.Thompson, we exceed our goal by collecting 8,789 pounds.”

“We truly appreciate the positive support we have had from our wonderful community,”parent Aman Shergill said. ” This is a great example of everyone working together.”

ImageDonations collected from John Witherspoon Middle School families, local businesses and the community were transported and delivered by a Princeton Public Schools truck to Mercer Street Friends Food Bank, accompanied by a bus full of students. The students met with Brian Peterson, the community resource liaison for Mercer Street Friends, and toured the facility before helping staff unload and weighing in the food donations.

Image 4“Watching students, staff, and parents work together on this project brings a special kind of pride; putting the needs of others ahead of your own, the values of teamwork, social responsibility,” said John Witherspoon Middle School Principal Jason Burr. ” I couldn’t be more proud.”

The challenge was supported by the following local businesses and organizations: Sam’s Club of Princeton, Tropical Smoothie Cafe of Princeton, Mike’s Barber, Savory Spice Shop, Infini-T Tea Cafe & Spice Souk, Dr. Hudis, the Princeton Police, Drs. Russo & Nicozisis, Star Bazaar, McCaffery’s Princeton, Star Glow Salon, Dr.Joanne Kalish, ShopRite Princeton, St. Francis Hospital, Mount Pisgah Community Church, Nutri Serve, and the Ettl Farm neighborhood.

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