Aaron J.

Zimmerman
November 20, 2015
School Supply Drive Honors Fallen Student
Two organizations from the California University of Pennsylvania helped collect school
supplies for the Tidioute Community Center Charter School this week.
The project was a collaboration between the Cal U chapter of the Student Pennsylvania
State Education Association (SPSEA) and the Phi Sigma Sigma sorority. The Tidioute
Community Charter School was chosen as the beneficiary to honor the memory of student,
Aubrey Sonney.
Collecting school supplies for her alma mater will show her legacy by supporting her
love for teaching and helping others, all while keeping her hometown in mind, said Hannah
Wieszczyk, the president of Phi Sigma Sigma.
Sonney, 20, passed away after a car accident on Interstate 70 in Rostraver Township on
Oct. 11. She was a junior majoring in secondary education and had aspirations of becoming a
social studies teacher after graduation.
Students from both organizations gathered outside the Natali Student Center on Tuesday
afternoon to collect as many school supplies as they could.
Despite many campus residents having already left for Thanksgiving break, the supply
drive ended with numerous donations. The students who did donate to the cause received a
complimentary cupcake for their contribution.
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Aaron J. Zimmerman
School Supply Drive Honors Fallen Student
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We collected two large boxes and a three paper grocery bag full of supplies, said
Wieszczyk. Including pencils, calculators, flash cards, book bags and much more for the
school.
Both groups were satisfied with the turnout and happy to donate supplies to students in
need. Those who knew Aubrey were pleased to have successfully found a fitting tribute for their
friend. The school supply drive will possibly be reoccurring on Cal Us campus in following
semesters and become an annual event.
Jennifer Gereshenski, Phi Sigma Sigmas philanthropy chair and a member of SPSEA,
remembered her friend as a true teacher.
Aubrey was a future educator, she would have wanted to support as many children as
possible in whatever way possible, said Gereshenski. By holding this event, we were able to
honor her generosity and love for students by giving back to students who need it the most.

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