June 16, 2005

Sending a message: California cares

Graystone Elementary receives Senate commendation

By Kymberli W. Brady
Staff Writer

On Monday, Graystone students, parents, and faculty received statewide recognition for collective fundraising efforts that produced 2,000 art-supply filled bags for children affected by the recent tsunami in Indonesia.

International Medical Corps President Nancy Aossey sits with State Education Secretary Richard Riordan, Sen. Abel Maldonado, and Principal David Beymer, as student body president Ash Dean speaks to the students during Monday’s California Cares Thank You event at Graystone Elementary School. Photo by Kymberli Brady

California Secretary for Education Richard Riordon led the effort and was selected by Governor Schwarzenegger to deliver the donated art supplies to children through International Medical Corps, a California-based humanitarian agency, with over 400 people currently working in Aceh, Indonesia to help restore the country. On June 24, he will also take a message with him, that “the children of California have shown that Californians care for people throughout the world.”

When Senator Abel Maldonado heard about Riordon’s effort, he started contacting schools in the 15th Senate District in an effort to expand upon those already on board to gather supplies for the California Cares project. Graystone was the only school in his district and one of only 30 statewide to participate in the project.

“Unfortunately, we only had about two weeks to make this happen,” explained Tom Kise, with Maldonado's office. "They were the only school with the time and the resources to pull it together that quickly."

During the assembly, International Medical Corps President Nancy Aossey told the students how important their work was to the children affected by the tsunami.

The news that two ice-cream trucks were on their way drew instant applause and a standing ovation. News that the trucks were stuck in traffic however, did not. Photo by Kymberli Brady.

“These children lost so much—their families, their homes, their pets,” she began. “These children not only do not have a school to go to, but they also don’t have pens and pencils and crayons and they are very sad. We want to help them with their loss and to be happy again.”

“You spent your time, your money and gathered all these supplies to send to children all the way around the world,” Aossey added. “They are going to know that these supplies came from you and that you care about them.”

Aossey promised to take pictures of the children in Indonesia receiving the bags when they distribute them next weekend.

“You will be able to see all their happy faces because of all the work that you did to make them feel happy again. I want to thank all of you on behalf of the children in Indonesia—children you will never meet, but children who will never, never forget what you did.”

City, state and school leaders gather with for a photo op. From left, Student Council President Ash Dean, Vice-President Shannon Haley and Secretary Brent Johnson. Back row, Secretary Richard Riordan, School Board Member Leslie Reynolds, Sen. Abel Maldonado and Chamber President Jim Cunneen. Photo by Kymberli Brady

“Graystone is very honored to be recognized as one of the many schools taking part in California Cars,” stated student council president, Ash Dean. “As a community, we are proud to be part of the statewide effort, led by Sen. Maldonado and Secretary Riordon. Having each school do its part has resulted in a huge collection of art supplies going to children in the countries devastated by the tsunami. It is important to remember that our actions can always make a difference.”

In his message to the students, Riordon told them how impressed he was with what they had done to help the children in Indonesia, who lost their homes, schools, and teachers in the disaster 6 months ago.

“You represent the very best there is among the children in California,” he said. “So thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you from the bottom of the governor’s heart, and thank you on behalf of all the people of Indonesia.”

Maldonado then presented the school with a Senate Resolution, recognizing Graystone families for their selfless effort and the shining example they set.

“You went home, you worked very, very hard, and you’re giving back," he said. “That’s what our country’s all about. We work hard to make a living and yet we go that extra mile to make a difference. On behalf of the Senate, I can’t thank you enough.”

The supplies collected were loaded into DHL trucks in preparation for the trip to Indonesia.

Thinking back, parent Allison Johnson said that they took their cue from a few years back, when looming budget cuts threatened the music, science and media programs. Students, parents, and teachers raised nearly $45,000 in only seven days by implementing a drive-through collection during the morning drop-off period. It worked then she said, so it should work again. This time around, they raised enough money and collected enough pens, pencils, paper, markers, and more to fill an estimated 2,000 bags.

“We don’t back down from a challenge,” Johnson said. “We embrace it.”

“It was a wonderful event,” exclaimed Cunneen. “The home and school club made contributions and the children made the signs and also participated. The kids really enjoyed it.”

“I am always moved to see how much compassion California’s children have for others in times of need,” added Maldonado. “The students at Graystone and the other students participating from around the state are examples to all of us of what can be accomplished when you don’t care who gets the credit.”