Harris School students raise money, create scholarship for Putnam student

April 21, 2016 | G. Michael Dobbs
news@thereminder.com

Frederick Harris Elementary School student Kiomaris Martinez is seen here with Aaliayah Bello, the recipient of a $500 scholarship the students raised.
Reminder Publications photo by G. Michael

SPRINGFIELD  – The students of the Frederick Harris Elementary School helped pay back a partnership with the students of Putnam Vocational-Technical Academy by awarding a Putnam senior a scholarship to help her reach her educational goals.

At an assembly on April 14, Aaliayah Bello received a $500 scholarship raised by the students of the Harris School through their dress down on Friday program.

Principal Shannon Collins explained to the students and parents at the assembly that for the last two years Putnam students have been mentoring Harris fifth graders to help prepare them for middle school and high school.

“This is a way to thank Putnam,” Collins said.

The scholarship, given to a student participating in Putnam’s Air Force JROTC program, was also designed to honor the late Gunnery Sgt. Thomas J. Sullivan, who lived in the neighborhood Harris serves.

“It encompasses so many important aspects. It’s about honoring a patriotic hero, giving back to those who have helped you. And it helps foster a culture that, even at the elementary level, is very focused on college and career readiness,” Collins said.

Bello is a senior with a grade point average of 3.9 at Putnam who is in the Allied health program. Besides graduating with a high school diploma, Bello will also will have earned her Certified Nurses Assistant designation.

She told the audience she plans to join the Air Force and once completing four years enlistment, she intends to enroll in medical school with the goal of being a trauma surgeon. She would then rejoin the Air Force to serve in that role.

Following the assembly, which also honored Harris students for their attendance, effort and achievement, there was a formal dedication of a tree planted at the school by Putnam horticulture students.

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