North Bellmore, NY, March 30, 2012 - MSG Varsity and Cablevision's Power to Learn, along with Town Supervisor Kate Murray, recognized students at W.C. Mepham High School for their fundraising efforts and participation in Charity Champions, a program developed by Power to Learn that promotes volunteerism and encourages area high schools to raise funds for a charity.  At the event, School Relations Manager for Power to Learn Kristen Thurber spoke about the Charity Champions program and Student Advisor Kerry Dennis discussed the students' fundraising efforts. Supervisor Murray also spoke and thanked the students for their dedication to such a worthy cause.  The school was presented with $1,000 to be donated to First Book and $500 for the furtherance of the students' charitable activities.

Video of Event  (1:12 mins)

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This charity was selected by the Senior Experience Class at Mepham as a result of the decline in literacy in the United States. First Book is an organization that fights to combat illiteracy in the United States by providing books for those who cannot do so for themselves. The seniors at Mepham are hoping to provide as many books as possible for local schools in need. In order to encourage school-wide support and participation, the seniors reached out to their school community. They began their fundraising activities at this year's homecoming game. The Seniors sold "Mepham Spirit Towels" to wave in the stands in support of the football team. Rather than selling for money however, the students sold the towels in exchange for books for children in grades K-4. Other efforts included "Book Wars" and the school's 3rd Annual Battle of the Classes. In December, the seniors had the opportunity to work interactively with children at Archer Street School in Freeport, for whom they are collecting the books.