Pearl B. Larsen Elementary Receives School Supplies From Stateside Family

ST. CROIX — A large family who frequents St. Croix annually for fun, sand and sea—and some golfing—left all that behind one day on their most recent vacation after Hurricane Maria to bring smiles to the students of Pearl B. Larsen Elementary School, the Department of Education announced Monday.

Family members who live in various states to include Florida and California came together this year on St. Croix for their regular vacation, and brought bags of school supplies to share with Larsen students. They are the Jesperson, Kashiparkh and Shammas families.

“We love the island of St. Croix.  We try and visit every year and we have always cherished the memories we have made here,” a female member of the Jesperson family said.

The family spokesperson added that they were heartbroken when they heard of the damages done to the island by Hurricane Maria.  “We were honored to have the opportunity to visit your amazing school community. Children are resilient and we learn so much form their innocence,” she continued.  “Your students’ enthusiasm and joy, even during such a difficult time was a really wonderful experience for us and our children.  We were happy to give only a little bit back to a community that gives us so much year after year.”

The family unveiled in the school’s hall a couple suitcases filled with school bags and numerous school supplies.

Larsen School Principal Joan Claxton was especially pleased with the gratuity from the visiting families. “On behalf of our students, I accept your generous donation and I am sure it will go far in helping to fulfill our students’ educational needs,” Principal Claxton said. The school supplies will go to students most deserving at the school.

Also in the spirit of giving, the North Beverly Elementary School in Beverly, Massachusetts adopted Lisa Magras’ fourth grade class at Pearl B. Larsen Elementary. After successfully applying to be a part of the Adopt-A-Class program, a spin-off of the Adopt-A-Family program, Magras students were the recipients of  a couple of boxes containing well needed school supplies to include crayons, clipboards, banners, rubber bands, erasers, pens, and pencils.

Student Carsen Kean overwhelmed with gifts said, “I am very happy. We are going to make good use of these items.”

“I am very grateful for this added assistance to my students in these very difficult times,” Ms. Magras said.