Skoufis gets $25,000 state grant for M-W CARES Day

CENTRAL VALLEY — Assemblyman James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) has secured a $25,000 state grant for Monroe-Woodbury High School to use for its Oct. 26 M-W CARES Day.
“The funding he secured makes it possible for us to host an event including speakers who will encourage, educate and, most importantly, inspire our students,” said Principal John Kaste in a statement released by Skoufis’ office this past Wednesday.
M-W CARES Day is believed to be the largest character education program hosted by any school district in the Hudson Valley region.
The day will feature assemblies and workshops presented by more than 100 individuals whose personal stories of overcoming obstacles and achieving success will change the lives of all who attend, according to organizers.
Regular classes will not be held that day. Instead, students will pre-select workshops to attend - similar in concept to attending a national conference - in addition to hearing from nationally known keynote speakers.
The day’s overall encompassing theme is to reinforce the tenants of compassion, acceptance, respect, empowerment and success, or CARES, in an ever-changing and often difficult-to-navigate world.
“We need to prepare our students for the tough situations that happen outside the classroom– whether it’s a mental illness or a difficult home life,” Skoufis said in the statement. “CARES Day shows students they’re not alone and that they themselves can be a source of support for their classmates as they tackle the obstacles of high school and beyond.”
The day is projected to cost about $125,000, and that $25,000 will be applied toward that estimate. Fund-raising efforts also include offering anyone who makes a $25 donation to M-W CARES Day an opportunity to receive one of three pairs of orchestra tickets to see “Hamilton” on Broadway next January.
Anyone interested in “Hamilton” tickets should email to: mwcares@mw.k12.ny.us for additional information.
- Nancy Kriz