On a cool summer afternoon in Congers, educators and families marked the end of the school year with a “Solidarity Summer Kick Off” event that showcased union solidarity and good vibes to help raise money for two Clarkstown students who are fighting cancer.
The summer social featured raffles, food trucks and music by the Dishonest Fiddler. It was held at the Red Barn Cidery, which graciously donated its space for the event.
“This is what we do, right? Teachers support the entire community, and we support each other,” said Education Association of South Orangetown President Bill Hughes. “This is what we are."
The event, held on the last day of school, was organized by Clarkstown Teachers Association President Jon Wedvik and brought together locals from Westchester, Rockland, Putnam and Orange counties, including the EA of South Orangetown, East Ramapo TA, Pearl River TA, Nyack TA, Suffern EA, Nanuet TA, Rockland BOCES Staff Association and North Rockland TA.
More than 500 NYSUT educators, staff, friends and family attended — a powerful display of community and union strength. Together, they raised more than $10,000 for two students, one in fifth grade and the other in 11th grade, who were diagnosed with leukemia. One of the students is the son of Nanuet TA member Kelly Ryan.
“I am so proud that so many locals and members all came out to support our two students who are in a battle for their lives,” said Wedvik. “One of our local’s mottos is: ‘CTA plus families equals successful children.’ This event was a perfect example of that.”