Weehawken High School was among several high schools in New Jersey that recently won an award in the annual Charity Champions Competition sponsored by Optimum and Cablevision. In the contest, high schools in the tri-state area compete for a $1,000 prize that will then be donated to a chosen charity. Nine high schools in New Jersey competed this year.
The school’s Peer Leadership club won a prize by showing a commitment to helping the needy through various programs they have run in recent months.
At the end of last year, the peer leaders organized a coat drive that collected 215 articles of clothing and blankets to donate to organizations serving the homeless. They also sold 537 candy grams and 80 tee shirts to raise money for local organizations to help the needy. They raised $700 for the Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation, which runs local homeless shelters and efforts.
Peer Leadership, now in its 10th year, is the largest organization at the school, with 90 members. The older students in the group set an example for the younger kids.
“You bring distinction to the school district.” – Dr. Robert Zywicki
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Homeless group will benefit
Last month, the Peer Leadership club at WHS selected Garden State Episcopal Community Development Corporation to be the recipient of the $1,000 award. GSECDC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Hudson County. Peer Leadership raised an additional $700 for the group and for its subsidiary Palisades Emergency Residence Corporation (PERC), which runs a homeless shelter and other services based in Union City.
A formal check presentation was held on Friday, March 4, in the music room of the high school. Dr. Robert Zywicki, superintendent of Weehawken Schools, Steven Spinosa, principal of WHS, Mayor Richard Turner, and Susan Milan of GSECDC were among the speakers.
“Peer Leadership is testimony to the culture and climate of the school. It is evidence of civic engagement. You bring distinction to the school district,” said Dr. Zywicki.
Peer Leadership “does tremendous work. They are representative of what the school should be about: Education, service and dedication,” said Spinosa.
“Wherever we go we hear nothing but praise for Weehawken students,” said Mayor Turner.
“It’s another great day for everyone at Weehawken High School,” said Board of Education President Richard Barsa. Peer Leadership “works very hard for people in need. I’m very proud of them,” he said.
All first-round winners will also be eligible to win the grand prize of $5,000.
Peer Leadership “provides a welcoming, safe environment,” said Joseph Melgar, a senior at WHS.
“I like the interaction between fellow students,” said CathyLee Cueto, a sophomore.
The $1,000 check was presented to Susan Milan by Tricia Kaminski, public affairs manager for Optimum Community.
GSECDC’s mission is “to serve the most vulnerable in our society,” said Milan. “We address the comprehensive needs of the homeless population.”
Carol Mori, executive director of GSECDC and PERC, added, “It helps people stay housed, ending the cycle of poverty but building a larger community, as well.”
In November, 2014, a new street outreach program was started to “identify the homeless not connected to our services,” said Milan. “The program has been very successful.”
PERC provides emergency shelter, a drop-in center, food pantry, soup kitchen, advocacy, and educational community-based services.