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Poland North, Holy Family groups get heroes welcome
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Neighbors | Grace Wyler .The founding members of Acts of Random Kindness, a service group made up of 35 fifth and third grade girls from Holy Family School, receive a Community Impact award at the Red Cross' "Heroes of the Mahoning Valley" banquet Feb. 20.
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Neighbors | Grace Wyler .Members of the Poland North Elementary School PTO Board accept a Community Impact award at the "Heroes of Mahoning Valley" banquet Feb. 20. From left, Melissa Kellgren, recording secretary, Diane Kluchar, treasurer, Callie Kpp, corresponding secretary, and Tammy Sabrin, president.
By GRACE WYLER
gwyler@vindy.com
Two groups from Poland schools have been recognized as “Heroes of the Mahoning Valley” for their commitment to the community.
Holy Family School’s A.R.K. group and Poland North Elementary School’s Parent Teacher Organization were honored at the Mahoning Valley Red Cross’ annual “Heroes of the Mahoning Valley” banquet Feb. 20.
A.R.K. — which stands for Acts of Random Kindness — is a group of girls in the fifth and third grades at Holy Family School. The organization was started last year when 10 girls from a Girl Scout troop at Holy Family decided they wanted to dedicate their time and energy to community service.
The group, which now has 35 members, has three central purposes — service projects, self-improvement through education, and meeting with community leaders, A.R.K. director Melanie Jones said.
The group has collected school supplies for the Easter Seals preschool program, donated food to Angels for Animals and made stuffed bunnies for patients at Akron Children’s Hospital, Jones said.
The older girls have also become C.P.R.-certified and done the Red Cross’ babysitter training program as part of fulfilling A.R.K.’s educational mission.
Recently, A.R.K. members met with Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams to talk about his commitment to service.
“The girls ask questions to community leaders regarding community service,” Jones said. “They get to see what the long-term goals are to see that service is a lifetime commitment, not something you just do in school.”
The Poland North PTO was nominated for the “Heroes of the Mahoning Valley” award for its “unending commitment to the students.”
“We are just hoping that we can contribute in the little things we do,” PTO president Tammy Sabrin said. “We are blessed to be a part of our children’s education and part of such a wonderful school.”
The organization, which was nominated by Poland North Principal Michael Masucci, also raised $13,000 for Poland Relay for Life in 2009.
“The Poland schools have earned the state designation “Excellent with Distinction,” Pat Lowry, the Heroes of the Mahoning Valley chairman, said.
“To the children and staff of Poland North Elementary, the parents of the PTO have also earned that honor.”
The Mahoning Valley chapter of the Red Cross hosts the annual “Heroes of the Mahoning Valley” breakfast event to honor people in the community who have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to service.
“The award goes to someone who has performed an act of heroism, put in countless hours of service,” Lou Joseph, the chairman of the Mahoning Red Cross’ board, said.
“Our heroes make our community.”