SOMERS — On Oct. 15, students from Mabelle. B. Avery Middle School in Somers will put “Compassion in Action” as they host Alex’s Lemonade Stand to raise money for childhood cancer research.
“The theme at MBA Middle School this year is to grow a sense of ‘Compassion in Action’ within each of our students. To do this, our school will focus on the value of kindness and service toward others,” explained Margot Martello, principal of MBA Middle School. “When we decide on service projects for our school, we want to make sure we do more than just make a donation — we want to really put our compassion into action.”
Manchester resident Alexandra Scott started Alex’s Lemonade Stand as a neuroblastoma patient at the age of 4. The stand went viral and now serves as a legacy to Scott who lost her cancer battle in 2004. Over the last 20 years, supporters of Alex’s Lemonade Stand have raised millions of dollars to support childhood cancer research.
The 330 students of MBA Middle School will run the stand in three shifts, designed to coincide with the lunch times of the high school and elementary schools and one for the public at the front of the school. Members of the public can drive up through the front circle of the building and be taken care of by the middle school students.
Martello hopes that this stand is the beginning of a legacy of community service for the middle school students as they see the benefits to the community and themselves.
“When you complete community service toward an important cause, there are two things that happen. First, you begin to see the positive impact positive actions can have on the world. Our students will realize that even at 10, 11, and 12 years old, they can make a difference, and on Oct. 15, they will,” said Martello. “Second, when you do good for others, you feel good about yourself. I hope that our students feel good about themselves after supporting such a worthy cause. When they recognize the happiness they feel when completing a service for the community, they are more likely to do something like this again. Maybe, just maybe, we can create a cycle of service, compassion and kindness that can positively impact the world.”
With a goal of raising $2,500, Alex’s Lemonade Stand will take place from 12:30 to 2 p.m. to the right of the school at 1 Vision Blvd. in Somers. For more information or to give a financial donation, visit the event’s website alsf.me/3834857.
“I hope that while our students show compassion in action on Oct. 15, all patrons feel that same compassion in action when they come to support our event,” said Martello.
