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WVMS Student Senate collects 2,500 items for local food pantry

A large group of people, mostly children, are gathered outside a building, holding various items and smiling at the camera.

The Warwick Valley Middle School Student Senate showed not only their commitment to the community and impressive teamwork, but some serious physical strength, as they loaded more than 2,500 food items into a trailer for donation to the Warwick Valley Food Pantry!

Advised by WVMS teacher Mark Botta, the Student Senate members posted posters and shared reminders in the daily announcements, rallying their schoolmates to collect donations that would benefit local families ahead of the holidays. Although the students didn't need any incentivizing to come together in the spirit of doing good, a little friendly competition certainly didn't hurt either! So, it was decided that the top donating team from grades 7 and 8, and the top donating team from grades 5 and 6 would earn a Dunkin’ Donuts party. Congratulations goes out to Zeta 8, the top team for seventh and eighth grades, and Yellow 6, the top team for fifth and sixth grades!

A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered in what appears to be a school or community center, with various items and boxes scattered around, suggesting a donation or distribution event.

Mr. Botta beamed with pride over the outcome, and how the students went above and beyond to help neighbors in need.

“Madeline Maybeck, Madeline Norberg, and Chloe Mann took the lead," said Mr. Botta. "They're big Yellow 6 representatives, and they hyped it up big time."

A group of people, including adults and children, are gathered outside a building, sorting through and organizing various items and supplies, likely for donation or distribution.

Sixth grade representative Madeline Norberg, in particular, brought in more than 100,000 points worth of items, helping Yellow 6 secure its victory.

“It felt good to see how much food we’re donating to families for Thanksgiving, and watching it all pile up week after week,” Madeline said, and other students echoed her excitement.

“We all tried the best we could, and I’m so happy with how it turned out,” added Carly Orthmann, WVMS Junior Vice President.

A cluttered and disorganized room filled with various items, including bags, boxes, and other miscellaneous objects, with a whiteboard and a television visible in the background.

In addition to the food drive, the Student Senate has also assembled baskets for 22 middle school families, complete with a full turkey and all the fixings.

“This food drive is not only important for the community, it’s important for students to see the value in helping people out and looking out for their neighbors,” Mr. Botta said.

A group of people, including a man and several children, are gathered around a vehicle, seemingly engaged in some kind of activity or interaction.

WVMS Principal Jared Yapkowitz expressed how proud he is of the students and staff who made this year’s effort a success.

“A big thank you to Mr. Botta and our incredible Student Senate for organizing this year’s food drive,” he said. “Because of your support and encouragement in our classrooms and hallways, you inspired our students to collect more food than ever before! This is a powerful example of how our school community comes together to support others, and it truly makes a difference.”

And with holiday season picking up, the Student Senate certainly isn't slowing down. This week marks the start of their annual toy drive! 

A group of people, some carrying bags and boxes, are gathered outside a building, with a cart filled with various items in the foreground.