SMALL GIRL, BIG HEART

While most eight year-old girls could make a lengthy list of the birthday presents they would like to receive including video games, toys, and clothes, Jenna Shea had a different request and the students at Rupert Elementary School are thankful.  Instead of the traditional birthday presents, she asked her family and friends for school supplies which she wanted to donated to the students at Rupert Elementary School.  Jenna’s family is no stranger to Rupert; having had her mother Tanya first student teach at Rupert and then become a substitute teacher in the District. 

At her birthday party in August, she decorated a box with her favorite “Hello Kitty” paper wrapping and made a sign for donations on the box.  In the invitation to her party, she requested school supplies in place of gifts.  Family members, friends, neighbors, and even strangers helped to provide three large tubs of school supplies which were donated to Mrs. Laurie Gresko’s and Cindy Bartolucci’s classes.

Mr. Matt Moyer, Rupert Principal, said, “What a wonderful gesture from a young person to help our students by giving up the types of birthday presents that most eight year-olds would enjoy.  It is truly a sign of her maturity and caring well beyond her age.”

Jenna personally presented the school supplies to the Rupert students.  When asked why she would give up her gifts to help others, she said, “It makes me feel good inside to know that I have been able to help other kids.”