Eastside High School Students Named New Jersey Charity Champions Winners

Optimum Community recognized Student Government and National Honor Society members from the School of Government and Public Administration at Eastside High School as the New Jersey grand prize winners of this year’s Charity Champions program. The students’ remarkable work raising money and awareness for Eva’s Village, a local organization dedicated to fighting homelessness and poverty, was acknowledged as they were presented with a $5,000 check for the charity. A representative from Eva’s Village was there to accept the donation and thanked the students for their dedication and hard work. Student Government Advisor Toni Jackson and National Honor Society Advisor Ms. Rogich explained the school’s participation in the program and students spoke about their experience raising funds for their selected charity. Four events were held throughout the year to raise money and collect goods for the Paterson-based organization. The students felt an allegiance to Eva’s Village being that it is a charity that has helped people in the Paterson community for years, and saw it as an investment in their home town. Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter and Deputy Mayor Pedro Rodriguez also attended the event and spoke to the students, congratulating them on their success and recognizing the importance of community service.

“Congratulations on being selected as this year’s Charity Champions grand-prize winners for New Jersey,” said Assemblywoman Sumter. “Each one of you who participated in this program is a terrific role model for young people today. I applaud your motivation and leadership. By helping to support Eva’s Village, each of you is helping to continue their worthwhile mission. I also commend Optimum Community for creating a program that inspires young people to think of others.”