Hurricane disasters prompt Poland students to help

By JORDYN GRZELEWSKI

jgrzelewski@vindy.com

POLAND

After learning about the devastating hurricanes that have struck Texas, Florida and islands in the Caribbean in recent weeks, Dobbins Elementary third-grader Amanda Ray wanted to help.

Why?

“Because so many people’s houses got destroyed,” she said.

Amanda said hearing about the hurricanes’ destruction made her feel “kind of sad, because some people died in the hurricanes.”

She was among the Dobbins students who came together to raise $475 that will go to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.

The school’s Parent-Teacher Organization organized a raffle, the winners of which were rewarded with a special lunch Friday with high-school football players and cheerleaders. Tickets were $1 apiece.

Amanda was one of the winners. During the lunch Friday, she sat across from fellow third-grade student Katherine Liddle. Both girls said they were excited for the special lunch.

“It was very sad because they lost their homes,” Katherine said of the hurricanes.

Among the high-school students lunching with the elementary students were Nathan Alessi and Ralph Sandy, both seniors on the football team.

“I enjoy just giving back to the community, because I know if I was in their position I’d love to do this,” Sandy said.

In the cafeteria, cheerleaders Allison Ginty and Cassidy Lyons stopped by the lunch tables to talk with students.

“I was in their shoes one day,” said Ginty. “I love how they look up to us, and I think it’s a cool feeling.”

The older Bulldogs also spent some time playing during recess with Dobbins students. Cheerleaders led younger girls in a routine, a football player tossed a football to a few students, and one high-school student led a game of kickball.

Fourth-graders Delaney Cozart, Alexa James and Ella Bailey were ecstatic to be spending time with the older students.

“It’s pretty cool,” Ella said excitedly.

“I think it’s fun playing, and it’s fun seeing the older girls here, because a lot of people look up to them,” said fourth-grader Sofia Elia.

Dobbins Principal Michael Daley said he was thankful the high-school students understand they’re role models for kids.

“The big thing for me is establishing that hope, and seeing what lies ahead of them if they continue on that path that a lot of the high-school students have traveled before,” he said.