On August 28th, Gesu School and St. Joseph’s Prep came together and hosted a Back To School Celebratory event on the St. Joseph Prep campus. They were able to distribute hundreds of backpacks filled with school supplies. A variety of community groups and individuals helped this backpack drive become a reality by donating money to support this endeavor. “Cradles for Crayons” supplied the students with backpacks, while the Facenda Family provided the financial support to make the event possible.
Each backpack was filled with notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, markers, glue, scissors, erasers, rulers, a pencil case/bag, and other educational necessities.
It was evident by the participation that the Gesu and St. Joseph Prep communities appreciate the effort that the schools have put toward making sure that the students are 100% prepared and comfortable this year. This is no surprise, as Gesu has been helping their community in North Philly for years. A few months ago, I wrote a column about the Gesu Gala, and I was pleased to hear that the staff wanted to take part in honoring the students and the alumni.
I was able to reconnect with Gesu and speak with them about their satisfaction with the turnout of this event. Gesu’s Vice President Alana Lee told me, “The first-ever community back-to-school event was a success, with many neighborhood families attending to enjoy an outdoor picnic and games. We had a great response from our community, despite the rain. Also, it was great to see students and families who live in our school’s neighborhood but do not attend the Gesu School.”
“Gesu thanks our partners at St. Joseph’s Prep and especially the student leaders in the Prep’s Mission and Ministry Leadership Board for helping to organize a backpack giveaway and carnival games for younger students. Both schools are delighted to help students launch this new school year with well-deserved fun and a celebration of our communities here in North Philadelphia. We look forward to collaborating again in the future and making this an annual event.” Alana Lee organized the event with Erick Woods of St. Joseph’s Prep’s Mission and Ministry department.
When we talked about the history of the relationship between St. Joseph’s Prep and the Gesu School, Lee shared that, “Gesu School and St. Joseph’s Preparatory School, neighbors in North Philadelphia, have an enduring relationship through our common roots in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Jesuit schools believe in educating and caring for the whole person, shaping ‘young women and men,’ and always striving to do and be greater for the service of God. In the past, Gesu School and St. Joseph’s Prep have collaborated on numerous events related to service and spirituality. These include the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service, the Philly Spring Clean-Up, and the Gesu Gospel Choir’s Christmas Concert. Additionally, Gesu middle school boys in 5th and 6th grades participate in year-long mentoring with young men in St. Joseph’s Prep’s Black and Latino Culture Club. The St. Joseph’s Prep Mother’s Club has coordinated a large-scale Christmas gift project for decades, supporting Gesu families with financial need.”
Gesu School will continue to partner with St. Joseph’s Prep to service the community.
