Ritchie Thanks Young Students Helping Combat Childhood Cancer

State Senator Patty Ritchie recently visited John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Ogdensburg to recognize a group of young students who raised nearly $2,400—in just five days—to help combat leukemia, lymphoma and childhood cancer.

The 50 students, members of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School K-Kids Club, sponsored by the Ogdensburg Kiwanis Club, held a weeklong drive involving the entire school where students could take part in a different theme each day—including crazy socks day and a team jersey day—if they brought in some spare change.

Senator Ritchie presented each student with a certificate and thanked them, and their teachers, for their hard work in helping such an important cause.

“It is incredible to see the impact a young student can have on his or her community.  I wanted to make sure they know their hard work, the hard work of all of their teachers and the support of their family and community is something all of New York State is exceptionally proud of,” Senator Ritchie said.

The John F. Kennedy Elementary School K-Kids Club have created a number of community events throughout the years including a program where they make ornaments for nursing home residents.

(In the attached photo, Senator Ritchie is pictured with the students of the John F. Kennedy Elementary School K-Kids Club and their teachers.  Mrs. Smith with her students Ella Bateman, Nathan Bujnowski, Rya Freeman, Lucelia Guasconi, Brandon Irvine, Brook Irvine, Amya LaFlair, Olivia Sias, and Amelia Stevens.  Mrs. Williams with Auriannah House, Vada Knowlton, Moriah Morrow, John Pearson, Nick Stevenson and Brinlee Geary (absent). Miss Mashaw with Harold Switzer and Kaidence Brossoit (absent). Miss Sharlow with Havyn Skye Addison, Hannah Mousaw and Chase Rider. Mrs. Smith with Lauren Beldock, Payton Bishop Morley, Cullen Fennessy, Giacomo Guarino, Alaylah Mallette and Ryan McGaw.  Mrs. Wills with Brody Montroy. Mrs. Lightfoot with Laurenn Bouchard, Abagail Conger, London Davock, Quinn Duprey, Chloe Frank, Alivia McGaw and Areanna Measheaw. Mrs. Paquette with Ainsleigh Amo, Alexis Brown, Jacob Lavarnway, Madison Measheaw, Sophie Nugent, Emmilyn TenEyck and Quinton Zanker.  Adult Helpers Amanda Sharlow, Kim Lalone, Nicole Myers and Erica Stevenson)