Rekindling a Light: Peer Leadership Delivers 50 Turkey Boxes
During the final week prior to Thanksgiving break, LCCTC students consider the question, "What are YOU thankful for?" Sometimes, the answer to this question can be hard to find, but recently, for so many in our LCCTC family, the answer often comes when least expected.
During the past month, Peer Leadership students have been busy finding answers to that question during their annual Turkey Bag campaign. For the past few months, these hard-working students have collected donations from staff and students, have hosted a few sweatpants days for a dollar per tag, and have traveled to the New Castle Rotary Club #89 to gather support. As a result of their efforts this year, the Peer Leadership organization packed 50 -- Yes, you read that right -- 50 turkey bags to bless 50 of our LCCTC student families!
The Peer Leader Advisors have an answer to the question of thanks: Mrs Pasterik states, "I am so proud to be the advisor of these students whose hearts are so huge!" She continues, "They make me proud on a daily basis!"
As Mr Ovial, co-advisor, delivers the remaining Turkey Bags just in time for Thanksgiving, he says, "I just want to say thank you to everyone who donated food, money, supplies, and support for the Turkey Boxes we gave out. Every year it amazes me and touches my heart to hear these kids tell me how much this box of food will mean."
Three Peer Leaders teamed up to make this campaign a success: Nick Neupauer (senior Gas and Oil), Amelia Hogue (senior Cosmetologist), and Corrin Clouston (junior Health Assistant). They have learned that, in giving, they also receive.
From the very first campaign two years ago, consider these statistics: During the first year, Peer Leadership gathered funds to deliver 14 bags, and last year they delivered 36, so to increase that blessing to 50 is amazing!
Nick Neupauer, Peer Leadership President, states, "Regardless of the blessings we give -- and believe me, our peers and families are truly grateful -- chairing a campaign like this is a way for each Peer Leader to appreciate our own blessings. It's a way to share our blessings with others."
Nick remembers his first presentation to the Rotary as he considers how moving it is to be a part of this campaign. He continues, “Especially when I see underclassmen being able to speak to those more established in our community as they encourage them to work with us — it’s all part of one big, amazing project.”
"Packing bag after bag after bag after bag after bag truly warmed my heart," states Amelia. "It was truly a blessing for me to be able to do this."
This is Corrin's second year working with the Turkey Box Drive, and she plans to continue her work with this campaign next year. "I'm so thankful for the people who donated and made this possible -- the teachers, the members of the Rotary; it was amazing how generous they all were."
Principal Milanovich is thankful for the students and the staff for all of their generosity and hard work. "Great job once again ... Each year, we are able to work together and provide a better holiday for our kids and their families."
Of course, the smiles of thankfulness were readily evident on the faces of the students who carried home a turkey with all the fixin's for a grand Thanksgiving meal.
"Sometimes our light goes out but is blown into flame by another human being. Each of us owes deepest thanks to those who have rekindled this light. " Albert Sweitzer
LCCTC would like to wish everyone a truly wonderful Thanksgiving.
