LAKEWOOD – Danielle Cusanelli, a teacher at Lakewood High school, has created a GoFundMe to raise funds for her students’ Senior Prom.
Cusanelli said that due to many COVID-19 restrictions, Lakewood’s Class of 2022 has not been able to fundraise for their prom unlike previous classes. Not only could they not fundraise properly, but the students have missed out on half of their high school experience due to the pandemic.
“The students, staff and parents are determined to give the class of 2022 the prom they deserve… The seniors have been robbed of fun high school experiences since March of 2020. They were sophomores when we were sent home. Since then, there has been no dances (for them), no spectators (even parents) at indoor sports (still), no normal breakfast at school, no senior nights with parents present (for indoor sports), no clubs (until this year), no fun at all (as they would say). Now that fun things are finally starting to be allowed, I would really like to make their dreams come true,” Cusanelli wrote online.
“I am their advisor, their sounding board, their snack provider, their shoulder to cry on, their coach, their teacher, their voice of reason, their loudest fan, their referee, their locker room hair stylist, and so much more. All of this, and none of it compares to what they have taught me in the last four years. They taught me to be a better mom. They taught me when to listen. They taught me that it’s okay to cry in front of them. They taught me that even the tough kid has a soft spot. They taught me of a world outside of how I was raised. They taught me that teachers need to be themselves. They taught me how to pick my battles,” Cusanelli said. “I have picked this battle to carry out their wishes of a spectacular end to their senior year.”
The class is looking to fundraise $20,000 and have currently raised over $3,000 through the GoFundMe. If you would like to donate, visit gofundme.com/f/lakewood-high-school-nj-class-of-2022.
“These kids are so good, and my class of 2022 will change the world,” Cusanelli added.
