EAST ORANGE, NJ — At Pride Academy Charter School, philanthropy is more than a lesson—it’s a lived experience. On April 2, more than 300 students stepped away from their regular schedules to participate in the school’s 15th Annual Philanthropy Day, assembling care packages and service projects that will impact communities beyond the borders of East Orange.
From creating nourishment bags for individuals experiencing homelessness to assembling gifts for young mothers and children at hospitals, the day reflected a powerful message: meaningful change can begin with even the smallest act of kindness.
“This is about celebrating our scholars and the impact they’ve made over the past 15 years,” said Rosemary Dumenigo, Vice Principal and Co-Founder of Pride Academy. “Philanthropy is giving your time, your talent, and your treasure—and our students have been doing that in ways that truly change lives.”
A Student’s Idea That Sparked a Movement
The tradition traces back to a single idea from Isaiah Lawrence, a 2014 graduate and Army veteran who returned for the milestone event—now a police officer with the Dallas Police Department.
“What started as something I saw growing up—community fundraisers and giving back—turned into something bigger here,” Lawrence said. “It just kept growing like a snowball, and now it’s Philanthropy Day. To come back 15 years later and see it still thriving is inspiring.”
Lawrence credited Pride Academy’s core values—peace, respect, integrity, determination, and empathy—for shaping his path in public service. “That foundation helped build me into someone who gives back—first to my country in the Army, and now to my community as a police officer,” he said.
His message to students was simple but powerful: “No matter how small it is, give back. It’s not about how much—you just have to start.”
Students Embrace Service as a Way of Life
For students like Lynn Kiara Gaspard, Pride Academy’s Student Council President, the day represents more than an event—it’s a mindset.
“Helping others is a big part of life,” Gaspard said. “It’s not just about intelligence—it’s about being virtuous and having good morals. Philanthropy Day teaches us to think about others, and that’s something I didn’t always do before.”
Gaspard and her peers worked on assembling care packages for young mothers, reinforcing a message she believes extends beyond the classroom. “Even if you’re just being kind to someone, you’re a philanthropist,” she added.
Building a Culture of Empathy
Teachers say the day is the result of intentional work done year-round.
“We start with our core values from day one,” said Ozzie Altamirano, Physical Education and Health Teacher. “By the time Philanthropy Day comes, students understand what it means to give back and support one another.”
For Altamirano, the most powerful moment is watching students come together. “Seeing them smile, work as a team, and feel good about helping others—that’s everything,” he said.
Impact That Reaches Beyond East Orange
Over 15 years, Pride Academy students have created gifts and support packages for more than 7,000 individuals—impacting not only East Orange, but communities across Essex County and beyond.
Organizations like Isaiah House and St. John’s Soup Kitchen say the students’ contributions are transformative.
“What they’re doing creates real impact,” said Zammeah Bivins-Gibson, Executive Director of Isaiah House. “When students give, they’re helping families in their own neighborhoods—sometimes people they may even know. That’s powerful.”
Barbara Cary, Executive Director of St. John’s Soup Kitchen, echoed that sentiment. “These donations make an enormous difference,” she said. “To give someone something for later—a snack, basic necessities—it brings comfort and dignity. There is no act of service too small.”
Community Leaders Applaud Student Leadership
Third Ward Councilman Bergson Leneus, emphasized the importance of nurturing service at a young age.
“There are no age requirements for giving back,” Leneus said. “What you do today will impact people you may never meet. And that’s what community is all about.”
Leneus also challenged students to continue their efforts year-round, reinforcing that “Philanthropy Day is a starting point—not the finish line.”
Shaping Future Leaders
For Principal Dr. Charlene Jones, the event represents the school’s broader mission.
“We want our students to be not only academically strong, but also compassionate leaders,” said Jones. “Events like this strengthen their character and show them how to make a difference in the world.”
As the school celebrates this milestone, one message continues to resonate throughout its halls: impact doesn’t require wealth or status—just a willingness to act.
Or, as Lawrence put it: “One person can’t change the whole world—but you can change someone’s world. And that’s where it starts.”