ESSEX COUNTY VOCATIONAL TECHNICAL STUDENTS

VOLUNTEER TO FIGHT BREAST CANCER

AT SUSAN G. KOMEN NORTH JERSEY RACE FOR THE CURE 

Newark – Essex County’s Vocational Technical students did everything from walking to handing out refreshments at this year’s annual Susan G. Komen North Jersey Race for the Cure.

Over 50 students from West Caldwell Tech, Newark Tech and North 13^th Street Tech, along with several faculty members, volunteered their time to help make this year’s race – which was co-sponsored by Essex County – a success.

Getting up before sunrise to get to the race site on time, students from Newark Tech and North 13^th Street Tech gave out yogurt, cold water, commemorative aprons and other souvenirs to the thousands of runners who participated in the Race for the Cure at Branch Brook Park.

"The Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure is an exciting event that brought over 12,000 people to Essex County Branch Brook Park to raise money and awareness about breast cancer. I am proud of all of our vocational school students from the West Caldwell Campus, N. 13^th Street Campus and Newark Tech for volunteering their time and getting involved in this worthwhile event," Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. said.

A large number of students and faculty from West Caldwell Tech walked the 5K under the blazing sun and made a donation to the foundation to help pay for research and treatment for women with breast cancer in Northern New Jersey.

“Looking out across the lawn of Branch Brook Park early Sunday morning, April 26, 2009, amidst a sea upwards of 10,000 people, I could not help but think about the 38 students and nine staff members whose team efforts and level of commitment made a statement about the level of consciousness and awareness the West Caldwell Tech family has in regards to important issues that affect all of us.  The opportunity for our team to see profiles in courage, hear stories of inspiration, walk with, and celebrate breast cancer survivors and co-survivors is a truly powerful experience.  I especially want to thank Vice Principal John Valickas and his wife for coordinating our team’s effort.  We have once again represented ourselves, the school district, and the county of Essex proudly,” said West Caldwell Tech Principal John P. Dolan Jr.

“I’m so proud of the contributions our students and faculty made for this very important cause,” said Michael A. Pennella, Ph.D, superintendent of Essex County’s Vocational Technical schools. “Our students from different campuses came together and worked hard throughout the entire race to make the day a success.”

Newark Tech Principal, Baruti Kafele said, “I am quite pleased by the number of Newark Tech students that were willing to volunteer their services to contribute toward the success of the Komen race.  I continue to be impressed by our students' willingness to provide community service whenever asked to do so." Two Newark Tech teachers, Vonetta Hunter and Marcia Scille, volunteered their time to accompany the students and also assisted at the race.

And North 13^th Street Tech’s Principal, Patricia Clark-Jeter, accompanied her students and also volunteered at the race, along with teacher Terrilisa Bauknight. Mrs. Clark-Jeter said, “North 13th School's Student Council lived up to their national role of community service. Through their advisor, Mrs. Bauknight, my students raised approximately $250.00, which they donated to Susan G. Komen. They raised the money by collecting $5 from teachers who paid to wear jeans to work for the day. In addition, they donated their time. They were up on a Sunday 4:30 a.m. on a record-breaking hot day. They never complained or asked what they would have to do. Once we arrived at our various assignments, our students took pride in handing out water or yogurt or whatever the task. There represented Essex County schools well. I am extremely proud of our students.”