Around the UFT
Maria Bastone
Physical education teachers (from left) Eva Lurie and Angela Stornaiuolo, the chapter leader, address the group of assembled runners, surrounded by members of the track team.
Maria Bastone
Those two young to run stay busy drawing with chalk, while others jump rope.
Maria Bastone
PTA Co-President Kelly Gualitieri runs with her daughter, Stephanie, with the Verrazano Bridge in the background.
Compassion and activism are growing in Brooklyn and, right along with that, student self-confidence and determination.
Students on the track team at PS 102 in Bay Ridge are really into their sport — so much so that they came up with the idea of hosting a run.
“We knew that it would bring in a lot of money, but for what cause?” asked Chapter Leader Angela Stornaiuolo, a physical education teacher at the school.
Along with her co-teacher, Eva Lurie, they discussed ideas with students on the team’s executive committee, ranging from school to community projects, and told them to think about it over a weekend.
One student came back with a very different idea: WaterAid, a charity that helps those who lack access to clean water throughout the world.
Kids loved the idea and teachers were intrigued with the global perspective on something that “New Yorkers can’t really fathom,” Stornaiuolo said.
A suggestion from a school parent involved with the nonprofit Project 25, which funds student-led activity-based projects, led to the track team receiving a minigrant for $100 with which to launch the run.
That’s where the magic and momentum came in. Students (with teachers in tow) walked up and down the block for three days to solicit support from local businesses. Nervous at first, they soon gained confidence as their efforts met with success, ranging from $10 to $100 donations, as well as bagels, fruit and medals for the winners.
The virtuous cycle continued with the PTA donating T-shirts for the run and the school donating water and balloons. In the space of a little over one month, that $100 (which went to cover city permits) had grown to a $3,205 donation to their charity.
“I was surprised by how this all came together so well,” said Lurie. “We had 200 runners and walkers, with all grades represented. Students were very proud of themselves.”
“Teachers and parents were all super-supportive,” said Stornaiuolo. “It was amazing.”
The PS 102 group racked up the most awards of any group at an awards ceremony held by the grant issuer, Project 25, in Park Slope on June 6. The school won the Mob Award for biggest turnout; the Most Viewed Video Award for their YouTube video (http://youtu.be/NgOmc41CWbc) and the First Place Award for Most Money Raised.