Education initiative in Trenton helps local foundations
Dave “Poppy” Sanderson needed only seconds to recall how his “Education Outweighs Them All” initiative started.
Sanderson, long time trainer for Trenton Central High School athletes, opened a memory vault that pointed toward a heartfelt disappointment that cultivate the essence of his foundation, “We were into the Trenton High 1989 football season and several players came down to my office to return their gear. They could not play any more. Didn’t have the grades,” Sanderson recalled.
Sanderson remains a city fixture, as mentor, trainer and educational conscience despite the fact that his Educational Outweighs Them All foundation still fights for a rightful place in Trenton learning centers. His EOTA logo packs a powerful image with athletic equipment being out-weighted by books on a scale.
Sanderson expanded his influence recently with EOTA foundation donations of $1,000 made to Young Scholars Institute, Special Parent Advocacy Group and Trenton Literacy Movement.
“I just felt the time to do more,” Sanderson explained. “I’ve identified some organizations and individuals who I believe can use some help to keep their initiatives going. And there’s already another list of several other organizations set to receive financial support. They will be announced in the next several months.”
Jerri Morrison, executive director for Young Scholars’ Institute, voiced appreciation.
“One thousand dollars is a great deal to us. This will help fund our summer school programs,” she noted.
“Currently, our students are reading, doing math, studying and continuing education initiatives at our facility located at Parkway Ave. 471. This summer we’re doing a pre-k to fifth grade program. morning academics and afternoon cultural and recreational activities. We’re also doing a college tour this summer.”
“This donation will also scholarship a couple of students for our summer SAT prep program. Just know that there are young people in this community who will study, who will work hard and learn and whose parents support that kind of activity along with recreational and cultural activities. We’re very thankful to Poppy and the support he’s given us with this funding and over the years.”
“This contribution goes a lone way for us. We will stretch it in our goal to offer service innercity special needs children who attend school year-round. We pick up the extended school-year students. They are bused from Martin Luther King to our classrooms in Ewing,” said Nicole Whitfield, executive director of Special Parent Advocacy Group (SPAG).
“This money will help support our transportation efforts. Plus, we hope to expand our recreational/ sports outreach.”
Former Trenton Mayor Douglas H. Palmer expressed appreciation for Sanderson’s financial donation which supports an expanding effort to advance early childhood reading efficiency. Palmer, almost a year ago, started the Trenton Literacy Movement, a partnership with the city’s school district.
“We’re very appreciative of the partnership we have with Poppy and his Education Outweighs Them All initiative. Poppy has been committed to educating our youngsters his entire life. His acknowledgment of our efforts, to press for the increased literacy for our young students via the Trenton Public afterschools program makes us feel appreciative. We will use this money to advance reading, not just in the second grade but also the first and third grade level,” Palmer said.
“We’re making a difference thanks to a strong partnership with the District and teachers involved in the project. So, money helps us our cause. We will continue our efforts because there’s more work to be done.”
As Trenton attempts revitalization and conversations focus on public safety, employment and other initiatives, Mr. Sanderson’s message remains quintessential to this city’s future.
Education. Education. Education.