In only four days during their lunch periods, William Allen Middle School of Moorestown Township Public Schools raised and donated $4,000 for the Alicia Rose “Victorious” Foundation during National Teen Cancer Awareness Week. WAMS Student Council chose and elected to raise awareness for the charity.
On Friday, Jan. 23 students decided to host a WAMS Bandana Day in order to show school unity and spirit for the foundation’s mission, addressing the unique needs of hospitalized adolescents.
“Teenagers with cancer sometimes get neglected, but this week everyone recognized them for their courage and strength. We learned that civic responsibility doesn’t have to wait until we’re adults, we can make a change right now,” said eighth grader, Erin Cramer on Teen Cancer Week at WAMS.
“It made me feel great to know I was doing something that I would appreciate if I was in their situation as a hospitalized teen,” eighth grader Carlie MacMillan said.
On Feb. 17 the Moorestown Township Public School Board of Education honored and recognized the Executive Board Student Council leaders for their success in raising teen cancer awareness.
“Being able to come to school and be part of something bigger was something that I enjoyed. I’m so honored that I could be a part of this amazing experience that informed students and staff in our school of people our age going through this difficult journey,” said eighth grade student council president, Isabel Arvelo.
ARVF was inspired by Alicia DiNatale who lost her battle to a rare form of cancer in 2002 at the age of 17. In her honor, the foundation raises awareness and provides teen lounges and teen kits for care and comfort for hospitalized teens during treatment.
Gisele DiNatale, founder of ARVF, attended the school a week prior to WAMS Bandana Day and informed students about the foundation’s mission during an assembly for all students. The assembly was coordinated by principal Matt Keith and student council advisers, Tara Warner and Ryan Kent. Mrs. DiNatale’s conversation with the children about the unique needs of hospitalized adolescents had a profound impact on their students.
“It was such a heartwarming experience to see students and staff proudly wearing their hot pink, purple, cheetah print, and American flag print bandanas on WAMS Bandana Day. Our school’s overwhelming support for the unique needs of hospitalized adolescents during National Teen Cancer Awareness Week was admirable and beautiful,” said Katelynn Dickstein eighth grade civics teacher.
For more information about the foundation, visit www.victoriousfoundation.org.
