Milford Brook Students Help 'Restore the Shore' with Research Project

The first and fifth grade students of Milford Brook School worked together on a project that was not only a valuable learning experience, but helped raise over $900 for the victims of Superstorm Sandy. 

Each fifth grader teamed up with a first grade “buddy” to work on a research project about an influential person. The fifth graders researched the person, helped the first graders identify key information and then worked with the first graders in turning the facts into a speech. On June 14, the students represented this individual as part of one big “wax museum” and the speeches were read. Parents and friends were invited to the wax museum and would have to contribute some money in order to hear about the important people. 

All of the money was collected and donated to Restore the Shore, an organization which helps coastal residents recover from the devastation of Superstorm Sandy. Jennifer Barna, the Executive Director of Hometown Heroes, an organization that has partnered with Restore the Shore, accepted a check for $911.34 from the school on Friday. 

“Because of your project and the money you helped raise we’re going to be able to help a lot more people,” Barna said to the students. 

Principal Tyler Blackmore said he thought the wax museum was more than just an academic success and opportunity for philanthropy because it helped the students emotionally. 

“The fifth graders developed a sense of responsibility, leadership, and increased self-esteem and the first grade students developed a sense of belonging and comfort in the Milford Brook family,” Blackmore said.