Washington Junior High School graduate Jayera Griffin donated $1,000 for school supplies to Dolton West School District 148. Jayera is a 2017 Graduate of District 148 and now attends Thornton High School.
A kind-hearted Washington Junior High School graduate whose generosity captured widespread attention last year continues to emanate goodwill in the community.
Jayera Griffin recently donated $1,000 for school supplies and a wagon brimming with book bags to her alma mater, elementary district: Dolton West School District 148. She said she believes having school supplies is “a right and not a privilege.”
“I noticed at the beginning of the school year there was an abundance of school supplies available, which is a very good thing. But as the school year progresses, things change,” Jayera said during the District 148 School Board meeting in late November. “Some school supplies are absent, some school supplies are inadequate and some are completely depleted, before winter break. This may leave the student without school supplies for the majority of the school year. This is not acceptable. Because of this I would like to donate school supplies to the entire school district so that every child has supplies, no matter the circumstances.”
District 148 is overwhelmed by the Riverdale teen’s ongoing acts of kindness.
“We were so impressed last year by the maturity, intelligence and compassion Jayera displayed while she was a student at Washington Junior High. We certainly miss having her in our District, but we are delighted that her spirit of generosity is continuing into her high school years. We commend her parents for instilling in Jayera the importance of community service,” said District 148 Superintendent of Schools Dr. Kevin J. Nohelty.
During the 2017-18 school year and immediately before the start of the current one, Jayera was involved in several Free Community Wash Days at Mama’s Coin Laundry. The 2018 Washington Junior High School graduate and Valedictorian of her 8th grade graduating class, initially wanted simply to provide free washes at the local laundromat for her fellow students and the community.
Her efforts generated a flurry of responses and offers of donations from far and wide.
Clorox partnered with Jayera during the Free Community Wash Days she held this past summer. The business provided funding for the laundry facility’s costs and donated products toward Jayera’s cause.
The 15-year-old went on to lead and participate in other service projects throughout the summer months. She began collecting funds with the goal of providing school supplies for one classroom. As the funds grew, so did her reach.
“If a child loses his pencil, please give him one. If a child does not have crayons, please supply them. School supplies are a basic necessity for school,” Jayera told District 148 leaders. “There should be no reason why the kids in School District 148, my school district, are not successful.”
District 148 serves approximately 2,260 students and their families in sections of Dolton, Riverdale, Harvey and South Holland. The District has one early childhood center, six elementary schools and three junior high schools.
