SPREAD THE MESSAGE

It was a great night at Benedictine Academy. Students In Action Leaders spoke to almost 45 families from 14 different schools about the importance of volunteer service. They shared how their BA Sisters planned a CPR Training Program with Newark Beth Israel Hospital for students and staff, held a Blood Donation Drive, and were working on stopping Human Trafficking. H.U.H. (Hearts Uniting Hearts) cares and is Doing Something to make our world a better place.

TAKE A STAND

"A State Senate Committee was voting on the Opportunity Scholarship Act, a signature piece of Gov. Chris Christie",

wrote the Star Ledger.

When our students and President Germaine heard, off they went to Trenton to TAKE A STAND as the delegates of our BA school community.

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At BA, we care and are willing to go the extra mile to make our voices heard. It worked! The bill passed the first hurdle of the Senate. Our Students are Doing Something to make our communities a better place by providing an A+ education to all students who want to learn.!

Fundraiser gets SNOWED OUT

Our students were ready and willing to raise money for STUDENTS IN ACTION at the Dr. Rose Battaglia Basketball Tournament during Christmas Week. Working with BAPA (the parents association), a display at the door showcased the many volunteer efforts of our students. Then the snow came and the spectators stayed at home. Even though the fundraising efforts did not yield as much as we had hoped, our Basketball Team's spirits remained high. The week ended with the celebration of our Basketball Team coming in SECOND PLACE!

Power Letter Workshop

We had the awesome privilege of having Ms.Karen Hatcher, Regional Director of the Jefferson Award Student In Action Program, visit with our Student Leadership Team at Benedictine Academy. The main topic of discussion was how to write an effective Power Letter. Our students learned the finer points of communication through the art of the written word:

1. It is of critical importance to Think BIG -

The Power of an Idea and be passionate.
2. Grasp the reader's attention in the first paragraph.
3. The ASK
4. The details and key supporters
5. Thank You and Next Step

Empowered with this valuable knowledge, they went to work to ask for support of their upcoming CPR training program, Child Slavery in the Chocolate Industry, and Anti-Bullying Program. Together, with people who believe in the human dignity of each person, we can and are doing something to make our world a better place

Want to Volunteer? Need help?

Hi everyone! Have you ever heard the phrases, "Where can I go to volunteer? I'd like to do something, but I just don't know where to go?" Of course, we can share what the other clubs or students are doing in the school, and we can tell them to check out their local churches, but sometimes they want more.

Here is the MORE! These are great links for finding up-to-date info on the needs of our local communities here in New Jersey.
Now come on and let's help to make a better community!

http://www.volunteermatch.org/
http://www.nj.com/helpinghands/
http://www.volunteernewjersey.org/vnj/
http://www.dosomething.org/volunteer

BLOOD DRIVE

Encouraging altruism and saving lives is in the fibre of our school community. The Blood Center of New Jersey visited our campus this past Thursday. We heard their call and wanted to make a difference. In order to meet the needs of the patients of local medical centers and hospitals, 250 people must donate blood every day.

Due to the outstanding efforts of our JSA Club, staff and students (over the age of 16) signed up to donate blood. "For every pint of blood donated, there is a potential to save three lives!"

"It is estimated that 75% of the population will need blood at some point in their lifetime. Yet less than 5% of the eligible population donates!"
At Benedictine Academy, we believe we have a shared responsibility to help the needs of our local communities. Together, we can and are making a difference.

National Human Trafficking