Updated 09/28/2011 09:37 PM
Fulton County school helps Schoharie peers recover
Irene may have washed away homes and businesses, but not people's generosity or community spirit. Our Mohawk Valley bureau reporter Megan Cruz tells us how Fulton County students are helping their Schoharie peers.
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SCHOHARIE, N.Y. -- "This is not crying because I'm sad," said Emily Hughes, a senior at Schoharie High School. "It's crying because I'm happy and so grateful for this."
A month ago, Emily Hughes lost her home and belongings to Irene. But thanks to her peers from the Broadalbin-Perth Central School District, she's getting some much needed basic necessities.
"It was amazing to see those things come off the truck and to see how willing people are to give," said Hughes.
"When we heard about this, it was absolutely a no-brainer," said Robin Blowers, Broadalbin-Perth's High School Principal. "In fact, several football players came to me and said they wanted to take up this cause."
So during one of their football games, they urged people to donate what they can in lieu of admission.
"We saw how devastating the flood was and we knew that if it were our school in this situation, we'd hope that other schools would come to aid us to," said B-P senior Casey Simonson.
"We are just overwhelmed by the generosity of the people in the community of Broadalbin-Perth," said Schoharie Jr./Sr. High School Principal Stacey Delaney. "They're just phenomenal."
Delaney says Broadalbin-Perth is the latest in a list of at least five schools that have come to their aid. She says more than a hundred of her students are still displaced and are grateful for anything from laundry detergent to food.
"Even the small things," said Hughes. "Just seeing them bring off toothpaste and toothbrushes, those things will help."
"To do this for us, it means a lot and I just can't even put into words our gratitude," said Delaney.
So it came out in tears, especially when she was handed their monetary donation.
"I'm holding in my hand a check for our yearbook for $1,700," said Delaney.
And that's not all. B-P also donated another $1,700, to Schoharie's needy student fund.
"I'm just emotional because it's amazing what people can do," said Hughes. "It's amazing what people can bring, to come together to help when we really need it."