Annual 'Jump For Johnny' Event is Extra Special This Year!

Meadow Hill GEM School honored one of their classmates at their annual, Jump for Johnny event. This event is described as “a tradition that honors one of our own.”

Coach Danielle Desarro, started the event in honor of Johnny Sileno, a Meadow Hill student who battled brain cancer while attending Kindergarten at Meadow Hill and passed away during the summer of 2010. Typically, the event is for Kindergarten and first graders to honor Johnny. This year, the event had a special twist, and included many of Johnny’s original classmates, who are now eighth graders.

“Johnny always kept a smile on his face even when he was limited in activities.  We decided to remember Johnny during our Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart unit because this little boy always showed heart through all his trials and tribulations.” Coach Danielle Desarro

Eighth grader, Antastasiah Durocher, drew a depiction of Johnny for the poster for the event.

Johnny’s family comes back every year to take part in the event. The Sileno family also gives back to Newburgh Schools in honor of Johnny.

“This year was bittersweet, as they held the event with Johnny's cohort before they all move up to NFA. To give back and to honor the kindness and generosity that we have been shown, we like to do acts of kindness in Johnny's memory.  We have an annual sock drive, that this year, delivered 1,949 items (socks, undies, and sweats) to stock nurse's closets in 9 schools around the district, collecting at NFA Main, Meadow Hill, and among Sileno family and friends.  And The Johnny Sileno for Wellness Foundation exists to help local families who are dealing with childhood cancer.” Mrs. Jennine Sileno, Johnny’s mother

Johnny’s Kindergarten teacher, Mrs. Sarah Wojehowski attends the event every year. “My memories of Johnny were that he liked to play with his friends, he liked to play with cars, and he had a great smile and laugh. He was such a great kid.”

“Johnny loved Phys Ed., even when he couldn’t fully participate. I think this event is great because it shows that our students can give back, and that giving back doesn’t always need to be financial, but it can mean honoring a person who is special to the community.” Coach Kristen Gunsch

NFA Athletic Director, Mr. Ron Montalto and Mrs. Stephanie Faucher from Athletics attended the event as well.

Coaches Seabury, Dickinson, and Gunsch coordinated different activities throughout the event.

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!