It started with a wish list – a list of science materials and supplies that students and teachers at Annie R. Morgan Elementary desperately needed for their science classes. Thanks to generous donations of more than $4,000 from the American Society of Highway Engineers (ASHE) Northeast Florida Section and Leadership Jacksonville, their wish list has been fulfilled.
Through a community connection, Cherie DiChiara, a science coach at Annie R. Morgan Elementary, met Mary Holm, the president of ASHE of Northeast Florida. At the time, the school needed assistance in supplying lunches for its Saturday School Program, and ASHE contributed funds to pay for students' meals.
Members of ASHE soon became aware of the school's need for new science materials, materials which the school did not have the money to buy. They decided to adopt Annie R. Morgan Elementary for the holidays, and sponsored a fund raiser that raised $2,500 for science equipment and supplies.
However, ASHE was not the only organization interested in fulfilling the school's wish list. Leadership Jacksonville, an organization that has been visiting Annie R. Morgan Elementary for the past few years also raised money for the school.
During Leadership Jacksonville's visit, Sandy Wilson from the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach took a particular interest in the school, its students, and the hard working team of teachers and staff. Wilson, along with others from Leadership Jacksonville, worked together and raised nearly $1,700 for science supplies.
"We certainly appreciate all of Leadership Jacksonville’s and ASHE's donations," said Principal Donna Frank. "They're helping us make a positive difference in our students' lives."
Frank says between the donations from ASHE and Leadership Jacksonville, the school has surpassed what they needed to fulfill the science wish list, so they are now in the process of adding more equipment and materials. Additionally, members of Leadership Jacksonville and ASHE have made a commitment to provide guest speakers and mentors to the students.
"Annie R. Morgan Elementary is a community outreach school and we are thrilled that there are those in the community responding to our requests for assistance," Frank said. "These two organizations are awesome and we are so appreciative of the community support for our school."
