Pictured left to right are third grade students Olivia D'Orio, Amaya Cullum and Sofia Almeyda
Three students in Mrs. DeRosa's third grade class were inspired to take
action after they attended a presentation at Verne W. Critz Elementary
School. The Quogue Wildlife Refuge presented on "Birds of Prey" to the
students at Verne W. Critz. The three girls began a campaign to save the
eagles by creating posters, poems and making morning announcements in
order to raise funds for this cause. They recruited their parents to
help out and this partnership between home and school was a success. The
girls were able to collect over $250 and various supplies to donate to
the wildlife refuge.
Amaya, Olivia and Sofia visited the Quogue Wildlife Refuge during spring
recess with their parents. Along with the monetary donations they
collected, the girls also provided supplies for the animals such as
eggs, apples, baby carrots and paper towels. Marisa Nelson, the
Assistant Director for the refuge, was so impressed with their donations
that she asked each girl to sponsor a bird of prey. Sofia chose a red
tailed hawk, Olivia chose a barn owl and Amaya chose a bald eagle. Verne
W. Critz Elementary School Students will be recognized on the "Sponsor
Tree" that is located at the entrance of Quogue Wildlife Refuge. Sofia,
Olivia and Amaya will continue their work to save the eagles because
they know they can make a difference.