Divine Redeemer students surprise principal with generosity
Divine Redeemer Catholic School Principal Marjie Weldele got an end-of-the-year present Wednesday when her students surprised her with a stage full of groceries for the school’s food pantry.
Tricia Faber, the school’s athletic director, planned the event. “Several food banks in the area ran down in recent years, and in summer months the food pantry runs low,” she said.
During the past two weeks, students have been sneaking food into the school and placing it behind the stage curtain in the auditorium. Faber planned for 1,300 items, and students donated more than 1,592.
“It’s really exciting because our principal doesn’t know,” said Hannah Tuipin, a first grader, before a school assembly Wednesday morning. “I can’t wait to see her face.”
Elysees Pomales, a seventh grader, agreed. “It’s pretty cool,” she said. “I want to see her reaction. We worked really hard.”
Weldele had expressed disappointment in recent weeks at the small amount of food students were bringing in — while the surprise was underway.
“It was really hard, but really funny because she was sad but now she’ll be happy,” said Baryden Adams, a sixth grader.
Early Wednesday morning, just a few boxes of peanut butter and Rice A Roni stood stacked on the stage, in front of the curtain.
Faber signaled to open the curtain, and all the items were on display.
Amazed, the principal said, “I hope when you see that, you see all the people you will be touching over the summer when you’re not here.”
The ceremony was followed by a blessing, then the students left for classes.
Parents were also in on the excitement. “I think they felt they were doing something sneaky, but something good,” said Angie Pallotto, who has a son in the second grade.
A food pantry in the basement in the church community center is open every other Monday.
“I wanted to build community and spirit within our school. It shows the generosity of our community. It is heartbreaking when you see hungry families during the school year. It hurts your heart to think that people aren’t being fed. We get so busy with our daily lives, we will forget to give,” Faber said.
Tony Lavezzi, a seventh grader, said, “It’ll help the people in need.”
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Contact Nathan Vail: 636-0187
