International Day of Charity 2024:

Alumni, Citizenship, Community, Newton's Grove Programming, Wellness

Interview Interview with the Head of our WINGS Student Council, Ashni Pandita and Faculty Member Mr. John Alonso

Today is the International Day of Charity and we had the chance to sit down with the Class of 2024/2025’s Head of WINGS Student Council, Ashni Pandita and WINGS Faculty Member, Mr. John Alonso, to inform our community about the role WINGS plays in the community and talk about our culture of gratitude, charity, and giving back.

What is WINGS?

The idea of ‘WINGS’ began with one of our remarkable students who was inspired to raise funds and supplies for the international armed conflict that took place in Bosnia and Herzegovina between 1992-1995. The Council has evolved over time, as has its name. It is now established as a non-profit organization and charitable council, with its acronym being a perfect reflection of its beginnings and what it continues to represent – We Inspire at Newton’s Grove School.

WINGS truly is the heart of Newton’s Grove School. 

As the Head of WINGS what are you hoping to do with the Committee this year? 

WINGS has always done remarkable work and provided such an important service when it comes to giving back to the community. For example, WINGS has raised funds and awareness for such movements as Cancer Research, Shelters, Veterans Care, the Syrian Refugee Crisis of 2011, disaster relief for earthquakes and worldwide international crises, building schools in Ghana, Zinc deficiencies, Ebola and Wheelchairs through UNICEF, Doctors Without Borders, and more.

This year we plan to continue to elevate WINGS, building upon the foundation set last year and the year before when the entire world was re-stabilizing after Covid. Now we are in the perfect position to do that. For example, alongside our traditional initiatives like the Michelle Temple Walk-a-Thon which fundraises for cancer awareness, and holiday Toy and Food Drives, we’re looking to introduce new initiatives like volunteer trips for students with a focus on having an impact, in our school, in our community, and throughout the world!

Why do you think it is important for all of us to be charitable?

The importance of being charitable goes back to our entire school culture of community, and ties in really well with our school’s theme for the year, which is gratitude. It is so important to give back, not only to our school but also our wider community. When it comes to being charitable, it is incredible that we have the opportunity to make a direct impact in people’s lives whether it’s through food donations, sending funds for disaster relief or writing cards to seniors. Taking action as a community to help people who may need additional support is important.

What would you envision WINGS legacy to be?
The enduring legacy of WINGS at Newton’s Grove will be a Committee that will continue to support our community, foster students’ creativity and, most importantly, build leaders that will continue to support and expand WINGS. I want WINGS to be a safe space for our community, where alongside making a difference, students can gain an understanding of leadership and apply that knowledge in meaningful ways.
With that in mind, this year a huge part of my focus will be on sharing my knowledge and experiences to my fellow classmates, knowledge and working with our executives and general members to spread leadership.

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