Students raise $8,500 for a classmate

Vernon — During the past few months, students at the Pace Institute of Karate in Vernon were asking friends, relatives and acquaintances for pledges to help a local family whose daughter was diagnosed with Leukemia. The pledges were based on how many kicks they could perform in a five minute period during a special Kick-A-Thon day. The benefit was for Vernon Township high school student Micayla Wynn, who is being treated for a rare type of Leukemia. While she is doing well with her treatments, the family has been burdened with a tremendous amount of expenses. Michael Pace, director of the Pace Institute said he urged his students to raise money to help out the family. “Micayla was a student at the Institute when she was a youngster. We felt a need to come to the family’s aid and help out as much as we could. Our students got on board with the project and we were able to raise a considerable amount to help with the cause.” The Kick-A-Thon raised more than $8,500 for the family and recently presented the funds at their Vernon location to Micayla and her dad. “We feel it’s an important life lesson for young students to make an effort to help someone in need. I am grateful to all our students who participated,” said Pace. To donate: visit www.pacekarate.com/wynn/ or call the school at 973-764-2467.