Long Meadow Elementary School Students Raise Money for Animals for Life

Long Meadow Elementary School (LMES) recently held their 11th annual “Teacher’s Pet” Contest, raising $600 for Animals for Life. In addition, a large cart full of pet food, toys and treats were collected for the Meriden Humane Society, a no-kill shelter which houses numerous dogs and cats who are taken from high risk situations, or from homes where the owners can no longer care for them.

The contest, organized by Carol Walsh, LMES Clerk Typist, has raised money for Animals for Life every year since 2005. To date, the school has raised a total of $600.50. The contest involves both students and staff in an enjoyable community service activity. Staff members paid $5.00 to enter a picture of their pet. These pictures were displayed in a showcase and numbered. (The staff member’s names were not disclosed). Students and staff then filled out a ballot for .50 cents and voted for their favorites in four categories: Cutest, Best Outfit, Funniest Expression and Best Smile.

The “Winning” pets were:
1. Cutest: “Murphy” (Mrs. Newcomb, ECSE Pre-K Teacher)
2. Best Outfit: “Cooper” (Mrs. Poulin, Gr. 5 Teacher)
3. Funniest Expression: “Cooper” (Mrs. Poulin, Gr. 5 Teacher)
4. Best Smile: “Roxy” (Mrs. Clark, General Assistant)

At the school’s “Leopard’s Pride” assembly on Friday, April 24th, Lisa Banik, Feline Program Coordinator with Animals for Life, came to the school to talk about AFL and accept the check. Louann Hart, who volunteers at the Meriden Humane Society came as well, along with her little dog “Trooper”, a Yorkie who had a very tough life and is now being fostered with Louann. Louann accepted all the pet food, toys, treats etc. for the Meriden shelter. Both ladies deserve a big “thank-you” for their continued efforts to help homeless dogs and cats!

For more information on AFL, please visit: www.animalsforlifect.com

For more information on the Meriden Humane Society, please visit: www.meridenhumanesociety.rescueme.org *(then click on “visit shelter website”).

CUTLINE: Carol Walsh of Long Meadow Elementary School (center) presents a $600 check and a large cart of animal food, treats, and toys, to Lisa Banik (right) of Animals for Life, while Louann Hart (left), a volunteer with the Meriden Humane Society, and her foster dog “Trooper” look on.