Summit Academy Youngstown donates Pennies for Pink to Joanie Abdu Breast Center

^{From left, Summit Academy Youngstown kindergarten teacher Regan Mittler, principal Rebecca Ellis, Joanie Abdu Breast Care Center community health educator Laura Boomhower and kindergarten instructional aide Alyssa Lupo.}

The Summit Academy – Youngstown school community’s caring nature was on full display yesterday. Sporting pink “Support Squad” T-shirts, staff and students presented a $750 donation to the Joanie Abdu Breast Care Center at Mercy Health – St. Elizabeth Hospital. The center’s community health educator, Laura Boomhower, accepted the check.

“It’s so wonderful, especially seeing kids be so generous and giving. Hopefully it makes them feel good to know that they are helping others,” Boomhower said.

^{From left, Culture Coordinator Dawn Puryear and Principal Becky Ellis display a cake donated from Walmart, a sweet note, for a sweet event.}

Students collected donations throughout October during the school’s Pennies for Pink campaign. The school’s advocacy for breast cancer awareness and support hits especially close to home. Kindergarten instructional aide Alyssa Lupo, who is currently combatting breast cancer, says the school has rallied behind her every step of the way.

^{Summit Academy Youngstown celebrated its students and staff for their efforts to raise $750 for the Joanie Abdu Breast Care Center. Throughout October, the school held a Pennies for Pink campaign toward the cause. The school’s kindergarten class raised the most funds, which will be used to help those without insurance receive free mammograms as the center.}

“Everyone is so amazing. Everyone has been more than supportive, always reaching out to make sure everything is OK,” said Lupo, who will undergo her last radiation treatment this Friday.

Boomhower said the donation will go toward the Joanie’s Promise program, which provides mammograms free of charge to those who are uninsured.

The school’s kindergarten class raised the majority of the donations and were treated to a celebratory pizza and cake party immediately after the donation presentation.

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