Whiz Kids: Crossroads South Students Raise $2k for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society

Some students at Crossroads South Middle School are proving that a little spare change can go a long way.  Throughout February, students in the school's Gamma unit participated in a fundraiser called "Pennies for Patients" to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  When the final tally came in, the students raised $2,000 for LLS, which they presented to an LLS representative during a jubilant ceremony at the school last week.

"A friend of mine from high school has a job with LLS and asked if we'd be willing to participate in Pennies for Patients to help families affected by the disease," said social studies teacher Michael Bottino.  "I expected we would maybe raise $500.  But the kids took off running with the idea and before you know it they raised $2,000."

Change was collected in buckets in each home room during the drive.  Bottino said it was a common sight to see students lugging in large bags and jars filled with change, up to $60 at a time.  The unit's different homerooms turned the drive into a competition to see who could raise the most money.  When all was said and done, science teacher Scott Dalrymple's homeroom took top honors with $525 raised.  

"You just saw these kids coming in lugging huge bags of change," Dalrymple said.  "The coolest thing about this was the fact that the kids really wanted to give their money to help someone else instead of spending it at a mall or something.  I just thought that showed great character."

The money donated by Crossroads to LLS goes towards research, seminars, educational programming and financial assistance, according to LLS Coordinator of School and Youth Jennifer Derwin.

"The families just appreciate the help so much," Derwin said.  "It's awesome what these kids did.  The fact that this was the first year the school has participated and they raised this kind of money is just incredible."

Derwin was greeted with a large check decorated by the school to note the students' generosity during the ceremony.  Bottino said the Gamma unit staff is hopeful the kids take away a lasting lesson about the importance of altruism.

"When we started I didn't know what to expect, but the kids just loved it and showed so much enthusiasm," he said.  "We hope this gives them a better understanding of what it means to be fortunate in their lives and to help others who aren't so fortunate."

South Brunswick Patch is seeking suggestions from readers for individual kids, youth groups, teens and even sports teams that wow us with their accomplishments. We want to hear about these amazing children and teens and select one each week as the Patch Whiz Kid. Submit your nomination in our comment box below or e-mail the information to davy.james@patch.com. Be sure to include all of the following information:

▪                Nominator's Name

▪                Nominator's E-Mail

▪                Whiz Kid's Name

▪                Whiz Kid's Age

▪                Whiz Kid's School

▪                Whiz Kid's Accomplishment

▪                Whiz Kid's Key to Awesomeness (what made him/her successful?)

▪                A high-resolution JPG photo of your Whiz Kid

Questions? E-mail South Brunswick Patch Editor Davy James atdavy.james@patch.com.