Two deserving students from each of the 23 schools in the Allentown School District are getting a little holiday cheer from the city!

Members of the Allentown Police Department, Allentown School District, City Council and Mayor Ed Pawlowski are fanning out across the city today to deliver surplus K-Mart gift cards to the students from the city’s 2014 gun buyback program. The cards had been purchased by the police department with funds provided by City Council. The students are receiving gift cards in various denominations, but each totaling $100.00.

Police Chief Keith Morris, City Council President Ray O’Connell and Mayor Pawlowski personally presented gift cards to Central Elementary School 4th grade student Ciara Monett and 3rd grade student Mateo Hubert at the conclusion of today’s holiday concert at the school.

“The department held gun buyback programs in 2012, 2013 and 2014 and collected fewer unwanted firearms each year,” said Morris. “After a discussion with the administration, city council and the school district we thought it was a good opportunity to close the books on it and at the same time reward some students who might need a little extra help around the holidays.”

“I want to commend Chief Morris for coming-up with the idea and I want to thank the members of City Council for going along with it,” said Pawlowski. “It is fantastic to be able do something out of the ordinary for the students and I am sure that they will greatly appreciate it.”

“We have great hard working kids in the Allentown School District,” said O’Connell. “We as a community need to give back to them and reward their accomplishments. Today is an example of their efforts and achievements.”

“The District is grateful to Chief Morris for his idea to honor our students in this way and, of course, to City Council who voted to support the gift card program,” stated Dr. Russell Mayo, Superintendent of the Allentown School District. “We have some very excited students whose hard work and academic success is being recognized in such a special way.”

“Our students, Ciara and Mateo, are going to be thrilled with their gift cards,” stated Rebecca Bodnar, Principal of Central Elementary School. “These two children are both exceptional students who have soared academically this year. It’s great to honor their achievements in this positive manner. ”

The students were chosen by building principals. Each of the students excel academically.

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