Wallkill Valley students raise more than $5K for March of Dimes

This year’s Super Night was held virtually this year, but that didn’t get in the way of success.

Super Night organized every year by the Wallkill Valley Regional High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FLBA) to raise money for the March of Dimes, a nonprofit organization that works to improve the health of mothers and babies.

“This year Super Night participants raised over $5,000 despite the pandemic and despite the fact that it was virtual this year,” said Superintendent David Carr. “The FBLA team did a fantastic job putting together the event.”

Charlotte Gough, FBLA community service vice president, played a big part in putting Super Night together.

The annual Super Night fundraiser is an all-night lock-in at the school, with lots of food, volleyball and games, and other fun things to do. But because of Covid, the event went virtual this year. It was held on Nov. 14 and 15 and featured T-shirt decorating contests, a costume contest, a Zoom movie watch party, and prizes for winners of the activities. The highest fundraiser, Madison Gunderman, received a prize as well.

“During this event, we had the privilege of meeting the Ambassador family and another FBLA advisor who’s life and child were affected by the March of Dimes,” Charlotte said. “We managed to raise $5,391, and we are still taking donations online until Dec. 15.

“Thank you again to Mr. Carr, the staff, and of course to our wonderful advisor Mrs. Jay. Without all of you this would not have been possible.”

The link to donate is marchforbabies.org/team/supernight.

FBLA helps high school students prepare for careers in business through academic competitions, educational programs, and leadership development programs. Super Night is FBLA’s biggest fundraiser. All the proceeds go to the March of Dimes.

“Great job Charlotte, and thank you for all your hard work,” Carr said. “I know this was not an easy thing to organize, and your committee had to rewrite the script for this years virtual Super night and you all did a great job. We have been thinking of prolonging the event in the spring because the March of Dimes is a really great cause. They have helped so many families.”

Food pantry

The FBLA committee opened the food pantry on Nov. 19 for the first time and will stay open as long as the school is open. Carr said the food pantry helps so many families in need during the pandemic.

On Nov. 13 Wallkill Valley High School held a virtual “Broadway Night.”

“It was another great success, and I want to thank our music director Ms. Mulnar for doing such a great job putting that together,” Carr said. “The kids are not letting the pandemic get in the way of traditions, and they are finding ways around it.”

Carr also congratulated and thanked all the coaches, the athletes, and the athletic director for doing a great job following the Covid guidelines. “We also completed a modified season for all sports with no shut downs, and the football team is still playing,” he said.