Today’s Educator Community Spotlight is on Christine O’Malley of Paulsboro High School.
O’Malley wrote us to nominate herself for the spotlight, but not because she was looking for personal accolades. She reached out to let us know about a program she started at her school in hopes it might inspire others.
“If others read about it, they can start similar programs!” O’Malley said.
O’Malley, a Paulsboro High alumnus herself, has been teaching at the school for 20 years. Ten years ago, she helped found a program called Red Pegasus, which provides feminine products for students who need them.
“It is a feminine product ‘speakeasy’ around the building where students can get free toiletries at any time,” she said. “I get donated pads, tampons and additional toiletries anyone can use. I also have a closet full of full-sized product anyone can ‘shop’ in whenever it’s needed – no questions asked.”
What started with her own classroom has now expanded to other locations throughout the school.
“I’m just so proud of this program that now includes the nurse and other teachers around the building,” she said. “Each of us have our mascot, the Pegasus, in red on our doors to let the students know we have supplies.”
O’Malley said she accepts donations year round of toiletries, for both males and females, feminine hygiene products and makeup bags. Anyone who would like to donate to the program, or to ask advice on starting a similar program at their own school, can reach out to O’Malley at [email protected] for more information.
Community Spotlights
If you know someone you think we should shine our Community Spotlight on, email us at [email protected].
We are looking for nominees in the following categories.
First Responders: Police, Fire, EMT, Dispatch, Active Military
Educators: Teachers, Coaches, Administrators, Aids, Support Staff
Food Service Industry Workers: Waitstaff, Bussers, Servers, Chefs, Cooks, Dishwashers
Volunteers: Nonprofit Workers, Youth Sports Coaches, Scout Leaders, PTO Volunteers
Public Servants: Elected Officials and Support Staff at every Government Agency serving South Jersey at the Municipal, County, State and Federal levels
Healthcare Workers: Nurses, Medical Assistants, Administrative Support Staff
Beverage Service Industry Workers: Anyone who works in a Bar, Coffee Shop, Brewery, Winery or Distillery
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