VTHS Kellie Cusack inducted into the Hall of Fame

Vernon — Quiet and unassuming are two words which come to mind when describing Kellie Cusack, a senior at Vernon Township High School, who was recently inducted into the American Association of University Women’s Greater Wayne Area Branch Hall of Fame.
The AAUW is a non-profit organization which has as its focus the ideal of developing and improving equity for women and girls through advocacy, education, and research.
Last December, Kellie initiated a three-week toy drive for patients at Morristown’s Goryeb Children’s Hospital, where she herself had spent much of her time during past Christmas holiday seasons due to Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a disease with which she was diagnosed at eighteen months of age. Because SMA interferes with normal breathing and the ability to walk, Kellie uses a motorized wheelchair to move around.
Based on her experiences and the strong friendships she had developed with the nurses and staff, Kellie conceived an idea to collect toys for patients spending time at Goryeb, to be given out during the holiday season. Utilizing morning announcements, posters, and emails to connect with as many people as she could, Kellie managed to collect and deliver toys in time for the holiday season.
Kellie’s personal initiative in taking on a leadership role in a service learning capacity is what enabled her to be considered and selected for induction into the Girls Hall of Fame, along with three other award recipients. Kellie hopes to continue to expand her project this year, partnering with ToysRus and Picatinny Arsenal to reach even more patients.
Vernon Township High School Principal Drew Krause was among the invited guests who attended the induction ceremony at Passaic County Technical Institute. Said Krause,
“We at Vernon Township High School are so proud of Kellie for this prestigious award," Krause said. "Service to others is the greatest service of all and Kellie truly exemplifies that. Congratulations Kellie on a job well done.”
Cusack believes that it’s never too early to initiate a plan. With the Christmas season only a few months away, on behalf of Kellie, Vernon Township High School will be accepting new, unwrapped toys for children ages newborn to 18 years in the main office. Kellie is hoping to make this toy drive bigger and better than ever.