Severn River 7th Graders Give Back

Hundreds of seventh graders packed the Severn River Middle School cafeteria yesterday to complete a very special community service project. After conducting a walk-a-thon earlier in the school year and securing and collecting pledges, the students presented a check to the Serving People Across Neighborhoods or SPAN organization for over $4,300.

"You all should be very proud of yourselves," said Linda Rzepkowski, seventh grade language arts teacher and coordinator for the project. "This money will do amazing things for our friends and neighbors who are really struggling right now."

SPAN is an ecumenical church-sponsored ministry that helps to meet the growing demand for emergency help for local families in the Severna Park and Broadneck Peninsula areas of the county. They work to identify local residents who are seeking help with financial and other kinds of assistance and provide a process to help them get what they need in a quick and easier way. 

On hand to accept the walk-a-thon proceeds were Maria DeNardo and Kathy Laukhart of SPAN.

The check was officially presented by the top three seventh grade fundraisers, Matt Rillon, Zach Tennant, and Laneesha Johnson.

"You have been our largest supporter over the years," said Laukhart to the students. "Through the years, you have provided us over $40,000 to meet the needs of your neighbors."

"With your help, we have assisted over 7,000 individuals and over 2,500 families in this area," DeNardo said. "With the economy the way it is, our donations are down this year, so this is a big boost for us."