There was a buzz in the auditorium at the Alexander Wilson Elementary School, not even half a block from USciences’ campus. With most of the students decked out in Phillies gear or waving a home-made Phillies flag, pitcher Cole Hamels and his wife Heidi, presented the school with a $50,000 grant to build a new playground on behalf of The Hamels Foundation. It’s a homerun for all involved that the left handed hurler gladly gave up.
PHOTO - from left to right: Ann Kreidle, Manager, K12 Partnerships, Penn Partnerships Planning Office; Alan Diggs, Woodland Avenue Reunion Committee, Sonya Harrison, Principal, Wilson School; Cole and Heide Hamels; Mary Goldman, Spruce Hill Community Association; Katie Cofey, Southwest Community Enrichment Center; and Elizabeth Bressi-Stoppe, vice president, USciences, Office of Community Partnerships.
The playground build will be part of true team effort that will includes donations not only from the Foundation, but from University of the Sciences, Penn Partnerships Program, the Spruce Hill Community Association, Woodland Avenue Reunion Committee, West Shore Civic Association, Southwest Community Enrichment Center.“We are very excited to be a part of and contribute to this wonderful project,” said Elizabeth Bressi-Stoppe, vice president for the office of community partnerships at the University. “Part of USciences’ mission is to be an active partner in our local community and give back. Our involvement with the Wilson Elementary School has an impact that will reach deep into the community and its residents who we share this part of University City with.”
“Our new playground will give our children a safe place to run, play, and stay fit and simply unwind,” said Sonya Harrison, Wilson Elementary principal, in a release.
University of the Sciences has partnered with Wilson Elementary on many initiatives over the years, including the establishment of a science lab and science fair, a book drive, a swimming program, and educational programs in its Lower Mill Creek Garden. USciences’ students have worked with the children as tutors and mentors. The office of community partnerships continues to work with Wilson Elementary to develop collaborative efforts in health and science education.