Joseph H. Gaudet Middle School

GIVING THANKS
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (NOVEMBER 1, 2023) – Thanksgiving is a time for people to come
together with family and friends to celebrate.
An occasion to express appreciation for all we have around a bountiful meal, our favorite
fixings and holiday traditions, whether it’s the Middletown-Portsmouth football game,
Newport County YMCA Pie Run, a walk at Second Beach or countless other enjoyable
activities.
Unfortunately, not everyone in Middletown looks at Thanksgiving as reason to rejoice,
Rather, some are left to wonder whether there will be a meal on the table, any meal because
of the need that permeates some parts of the community.
To give back and help ease some of that burden, the physical education staff at Gaudet
Middle School and the Gaudet Learning Academy put together a food drive and walk-a-thon
recently.
Along with Dustin Almeida, organizers Jennifer Cavallaro and Lori Hanlon said the turnout
and support for the drive was better than any year ever in the past, something they and
others with the Aquidneck Avenue schools were elated to see.
“I’ve said this before, but I know when people, especially people who aren’t from here, think
about Middletown, there’s an impression they have,” Cavallaro said. “The thing is, I know
for a fact that this food and the donations are going to help kids who go to our school. You
wouldn’t know it, but every donation and dollar matters.”
“We had an amazing turn out for our annual walk-a-thon,” Hanlon added. “Students from
Gaudet Middle School and Gaudet Learning Academy came together and were very
generous and participated in walking. Our Middletown Community will have a happy
healthy Thanksgiving.”
As Cavallaro helped gather donations in the back of a pickup outside the Gaudet Athletic
Field one recent morning, it was clear Thea Mello was a fourth grader on a mission.
Thea gathered cans, boxes and other items from her classmates who formed a line behind
the pickup, a “Thank you!” and a warm smile greeting each.
“I like helping people and this is a great way to do that,” Thea said. “Some people are having
a tough time and I know this will help.”
Then, she moved along to the next person, gathering up their donations and keeping things
moving.
“Food drives like this are fun,” Thea said. “It makes me feel good to see everyone here,
helping.”
Others agreed, saying the food drive and walk-a-thon was something the Gaudet
community should do more regularly.
“We did this last year and it
was fun,” eighth grader Laila
Hill said. “It makes you feel
good to know we’re helping a
lot of people.”
“Look at all these people
giving,” eighth grader Madelyn
Transue said. “It’s very exciting
to give back and making a
positive difference for others.”
As “Imagine” by John Lennon
blared over the pickup’s stereo
system, Principal Billy
Niemeyer said he’s always
impressed at how the Gaudet
community rallies together.
Whether it’s a food drive and
walk-a-thon or support for a
staff member or other efforts,
Niemeyer said there’s an
immense amount of pride in
the school — and its students.
“It might not be overly obvious,
but there’s a significant
population here that receives
free and reduced hot lunches
and people in need,” Niemeyer
said. “Gaudet really goes above
and beyond for each other and
these types of things make a big difference.”
“We did this at Aquidneck School last year and it’s all for a good cause,” fourth grader
Brooks Rogol said, his buddy Hawkin Powers nodding his head in agreement. “When you’re
able to help somebody else, that’s what it’s all about.”
Cavallaro agreed, thanking the school’s entire physical education staff for their efforts. She
also gave shout outs to Tina Murphy-Reynolds and her students for their work putting
together holiday baskets for those in need. She also thanked Debra Danis and her students
for the posters advertising the event along with Jonathan Paquette and his students for
their outstanding banner.
“When I see events like this and how we’ve had more participation than ever before, I
couldn’t be more proud,” Cavallaro said. “Thank you everyone for making this day such a
success and for being so supportive.”