In the true spirit of The Storm King School’s core values—TRUTH, RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY—two of our students stepped up to raise more than $5,000 for earthquake relief in Mexico following the 7.1 magnitude quake that struck the country on September 17, 2017. “We couldn’t just watch what was happening and do nothing,” said seniors Daniel Amandi Moreno and Eduardo Vallarta Pena, both students from Mexico, as they announced their plans to the school community.

“It all started with Eduardo’s email on September 20, a few days after the first Earthquake hit Mexico’s Capital,” explained Daniel. “The email talked about the struggle people were going through in our home country and ways others could help. I felt inspired by his initiative, so I talked with Mr. Lewis and Mr. Harnick about the issue and the things the School could do to help us make a campaign. Mr. Harnick and Mr. Lewis were very supportive from the start and they organized a meeting with other faculty members including Mr. Bennett, Mrs. Van Dunk, Mr. Panella, Mr. Mendlewski and others to help us get started,” explained Daniel.

 

 

The boys went about raising money in several ways. On campus, they coordinated a “Pie in Your Face” fundraiser for students and faculty. After students and teachers nominated one another, donations were made toward the names on the list. The names with the highest total donations got to “pie” one another at an All School Meeting earlier this month. Daniel and Eduardo also organized a raffle with three great prizes, including a Fast Pass at the dining hall’s noodle bar, a Free Dress Day pass, and a $20 voucher for the snack bar. The School’s dining services also helped out, with the proceeds from a day of sales at our new hot dog cart going toward the boys’ cause. Daniel and Eduardo also spent a Saturday afternoon off campus at Cornwall’s fall festival visiting businesses and asking for donations.

Through all their efforts, Daniel and Eduardo raised a total of $517 for earthquake relief, but the good will didn’t stop there. Then, a unanimous faculty member matched that amount raising the total to $1,034 in only a week’s time,” explained Daniel. “All the money went to the Slim Foundation which then multiplied all of our efforts by five! With their contribution, we raised over $5,000 in a week. Once again, thanks to the efforts of the SKS community,” said Daniel with a smile.

 

 

Impressed by their initiative, Director of Service Learning Ben Harnick nominated Daniel and Eduardo to receive the School’s Motto Pin Award. Mr. Harnick summed up the boys’ efforts perfectly during his nomination speech. “Sir Roger Moore once said: “We all have a responsibility in life to do what we can to help those less fortunate.” In the spirit of that quote, and of our motto ‘Truth, Respect, and Responsibility,’ I am honored to present Daniel Amandi Moreno and Eduardo Vallarta Pena with SKS Motto Pins.”

 

 

 

“Daniel and Eduardo did not seek service credit, but selflessly spent five hours at the Cornwall Fall Festival soliciting donations, visiting businesses, and handing out information for people to make online donations,” continued Mr. Harnick. “Likewise, they worked together with faculty to create campus fundraisers to raise further funds. They are putting their efforts toward aiding those in need out of respect for humanity, and a sense of responsibility to help. As former president Barack Obama said, “The best way to not feel hopeless is to get up and do something.” Daniel and Eduardo stood up and did something. For that, we present them with Motto Pins in recognition of their noble efforts,” said Mr. Harnick as he gave the boys their awards.

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave