Making a Difference
The following message was part of a Chapel Talk on November 25 by Binaca Hanson, Assistant Headmaster for Academic and Student Life.
Today, I am delighted to gather with you as we celebrate the conclusion of our fundraising efforts for this year’s Walk For A Healthy Community.
In late September, I had the privilege of speaking with all of you about NEKCA’s essential work in our community. This remarkable organization serves hundreds of families each month, and as the needs of our neighbors continue to grow, the commitment to respond with compassion and action has never been more critical. Our support has never been more critical. Each can of soup, box of cereal, and jar of peanut butter you contributed represents far more than mere nutrition; it embodies hope and support. Every dollar we raised plays a crucial role in helping NEKCA fill the gap between available donations and the pressing needs within our community. Together, the cans and coins we’ve collected send a powerful message: no one in our community needs to face food insecurity alone.
St. Johnsbury Academy, I am immensely proud of how we’ve united as a community to support NEKCA. Whether your advisory group gathered spare change or organized a spirited effort that resulted in over 10 ‘everything but the turkey’ Thanksgiving bags, your contributions have made a meaningful impact. If your advisory took on the challenge of each bringing in two canned goods or two dollars, your efforts mattered. Whether you crafted and sold custom SJA earrings or knitted and raffled off beautiful winter hats, your creativity and hard work have made a difference. Advisors, whether you went the extra mile to support your advisory’s contributions or dressed up in an inflatable costume to walk laps and bring joy, your effort made a difference. Sophomores, Sophomore advisors, Chef Hale, and Dean Angell: I want to shine a light on your remarkable efforts, and when I have more time to talk in greater detail about what you did, I absolutely will. You made a difference.
Today, Mr. Roberts, Mrs. McGarvin, and her B block students will load a bus to deliver the food donations to NEKCA. Thanks to the Variety Day earlier this month, contributions from our advisory groups, and the extraordinary fundraising achievements of the sophomore class, I am honored to present Jenna O’Farrell, Executive Director of NEKCA, with checks totaling $8, 656.37.
