WEST ORANGE, NJ — The annual Gregory Elementary School “Great Kindness Challenge” warmed hearts throughout West Orange, sharing smiles, hugs, and words of inspiration and support.
Organized by guidance counselor Sarah McIntosh, this year’s challenge was held the week of Jan. 22. Members of three branches of the military, Mayor Robert Parisi, Superintendent Jeff Rutzky, Board of Education member Ken Alper, and members of the West Orange Police and Fire departments lined the entrance to Gregory to welcome students each morning. Holding signs, and giving hugs and smiles, students were eager to see who would be welcoming them each day.
“They do good things to support the kids,” first-grader Liam W. said.
“It means a lot to me that they spent their time at Gregory School. They send the good message that kindness matters,” fifth-grader Letesha W. said.
Gregory teachers and staff cheered as students made their way to their classrooms.
“It means so much to Gregory School to have the community embrace our initiative of creating more kindness. Our special greeters are local heroes and celebrities in the eyes of our students,” McIntosh said.
Photos Courtesy of WOSD
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