Grace Jerk hosts ‘Festive Feasting’ treat for NJ high school students
The Jamaican company Grace Jerk last weekend hosted a “Festive Feasting” holiday treat for 50 high school students from the Dionne Warwick Institute, the Whitney Houston Academy, the Cicely Tyson Elementary and the Gordon Parks Academy in Essex County, NJ.
Jamaican Dave Rodney, of the New York-based Images LLC, told Caribbean Life that the event was “in keeping with Grace Jerk’s policy of giving back to communities where it does business.”
He said Grace Jerk provided gift certificates and gift baskets for five outstanding high achievers among the schools.
The prizes were presented by Dr. Tabina Adam, principal of Johnnie L Cochran Academy.
“Grace Jerk always brings the flavor to the family table, and it was our honor to share some of that flavor with some of the well deserving students in East Orange,” said Sabrina Watson, Assistant Global Category Manager, Seasonings Sauces and Spices, GraceKennedy Foods.
“Continue to aim for the stars,” Dr. Adam urged the students. “Set those ambitious goals and understand that dreaming without work will not get you what you want.”
Abdul R. Saleem Hasan, superintendent of schools for the East Orange School District, who was also in attendance, thanked Grace Jerk for its support.
“I am excited to thank the Grace Jerk initiative for donating prizes to our amazing students,” he said. “You have been a great contributor to our school district, and we thank you so much.”
“The GraceKennedy ‘We Care’ message is something we try to live out in the communities in which we serve and do our part to encourage excellence in the next generation of leaders,” Watson said. “During this holiday season, we just wanted to say thank you to the community for their support throughout the year and wish everyone an even better 2022.”
During the event, Rodney said a few of the performing arts students riveted the audience with performances of traditional and new Christmas Carols.
The inaugural Grace Jerk “Festive Feasting” was held at the historic Omega Learning Center in East Orange that was previously owned by the prominent Vanderbilt family.
