Glenwood Baptist church makes donation to VTHS Robotics Club

The Vernon Township High School is $750 richer after receiving a donation from the Glenwood Baptist Church on April 14.

The Rev. Edgir Jean, the church’s pastor provided Superintendent Karen D’Avino and Assistant Superintendent Charles McKay with a check for $750 from the Alice Giveans Welsh Trust, which will be used by the robotics club for parts, supplies and equipment to help construct their robot.

Jean said every year the church receives proceeds from the fund and makes decisions on how to distribute the money and his son is Vernon Township High School freshman who is “very pleased with the science program.”

Jean, a science teacher, himself, said the money would have the greatest effect with the robotics club.

“We know innovation and automation is something that is driving the market these days and for years to come,” Jean said. “I wanted to have the greatest impact for our community.”

McKay invited Jean and the church organization to the district four years ago to provide help for displaced homeless kids.

“We were touched by this act, and we quickly took action amongst the leadership of the church,” Jean said. “We developed this partnership with the Board of Ed, and we gave some money prior to this. But now, we want to concentrate now and help on a more educational basis so we can move forward those young minds that are innovative and are thinking and are creating.”

The district received the letter on Nov. 16, 2021, informing them the trust fund approved the donation.

D’Avino said Jean and the church have been “wonderful partners for our school district.”