Featured Story: 344 Kids to Celebrate Thanks to Community Generosity
Posted on 12/30/2023
Lake Shore Shines Bright: 344 Kids to Celebrate Thanks to Community Generosity!
The Lake Shore community came together to brighten the holidays for our Shorian families! Thanks to the generosity of business members, alumni, civic groups, area churches, staff, and anonymous donors, 344 children will find gifts under the tree and a holiday meal on the table.
Our Kennedy Middle School students, led by NJHS Advisors Bob Plotkowski and Abbey Gough, raised $13,008.78 to support Lighthouse Outreach and the Shorian Nation Adopt-a-Family program—helping 83 families this year. NJHS officers went shopping at the Walmart at Hall Rd. and Romeo Plank to purchase gifts for Lighthouse Outreach in Roseville. Also, a huge shout-out to the KMS staff who went out and shopped for our 83 families. This would not have been possible without you.
Clippers students also competed to raise funds for the cause:
8th Grade: $5,858.99
7th Grade: $ 3,178.55
6th Grade: $ 4,218.82
And a special recognition to Mrs. Fox's students who brought in an incredible $4,452.66!
Principal Dr. Johnson shared a personal story about not having much as a third grader and how receiving holiday support from the community left a lasting impact on him. KMS is paying it forward, and he couldn’t be more proud.
While the students love the friendly competition, the real victory is giving back.
In an amazing act of selflessness, State Representative Mai Xiong and her team covered the remaining 25 children on our Holiday Help list!
Teacher Advisor Mrs. Tavernier and the Rodgers Student Council, Ms. Larke and the Masonic Heights Student Council, and an army of volunteers visited North Lake this past week to wrap presents and spread holiday cheer.
Our delivery crew, who made sure every package arrived on time, along with the LSPS Maintenance and Operations team for their logistical support, were essential to this project—this effort simply wouldn’t be possible without them!
And finally, a huge thank-you to the person behind the scenes who made it all happen: Shannon Ketelhut.
Because together, we give.