By Dawn Hiltner
As the CEO and founder of the nonprofit organization Women of the Dream, fundraising is a major component of Leslie Morris’s job. She spends countless hours applying for grants, meeting with donors and rallying support to empower, cultivate and inspire young women in Camden Public Schools. So when she received a $500 check in April from the Haddonfield Public Schools, she was stumped.
“I hadn’t done any programs in Haddonfield, nor had I met anyone from there who pledged support,” Morris said. “So, I called the school business administrator, whose name was on the check, and she agreed to investigate.”
Morris soon learned that the check was a donation from the Central School Student Council. Under the guidance of advisor Darlene Carlton, student council members from third, fourth and fifth grades research nonprofits and develop plans to support them. Fourth-grade student Olivia May, her mother Kristin, Carlton and her husband Ian, along with Central School principal Shannon Simkus, attended the Ninth Annual Women of the Dream Scholarship event on May 31 as Morris’s special guests.
“In March, we thought it would be a good idea to support an organization in honor of Women’s History Month,” Olivia said. “My mom helped me look for organizations in our area and found Women of the Dream.”
Olivia presented her idea to the Student Council, and members voted unanimously to support it.
“Olivia loves to bake, so she was able to combine two of her favorite things—helping others and baking—for a good cause,” added Kristin. Olivia’s specialty baked goods are madeleines.
“We were sold out in about 15 minutes!” noted Carlton. “The fundraiser was a huge success.”
From corporate banking to student council adviser
Carlton, the school secretary, enjoyed a successful career in corporate banking before joining the school district.
“When I first came here, I taught technology,” she said. “As much as I love being the school secretary, I miss the day-to-day interactions with students. When the adviser position for Student Council opened, I asked our principal if I could take it. She agreed. I really enjoy working with the students and watching them grow into leaders.”
“Mrs. Carlton does amazing work with our Student Council,” said Principal Simkus. “Our school’s focus is on the power of education. I was especially proud of the Student Council for selecting an organization that is helping young women achieve their educational goals. It’s a great fit.”
“You may not realize it yet, but what you did is powerful,” Morris wrote in a letter to the students. “Your kindness, teamwork and desire to help others have made a real difference. Because of your hard work and big hearts, 27 girls in our program will receive scholarships to help them go to college this fall.”
The scholarship recipients are graduates of Camden High School, Creative Arts High School, Brimm Medical Arts High School and Big Picture Learning Academy. Many are the first in their families to attend college. Since 2017, Women of the Dream has awarded scholarships to 81 young women totaling $233,520.
“Sometimes when we dedicate ourselves to helping others, we wonder if anyone cares or if we are really making a difference,” added Morris. “But when I learned what these precious students did for our Camden girls, I felt like the universe was sending me a message. The world needs more people like them.”
Dawn Hiltner is a retired NJEA staff member and, as a former public-school teacher in New Jersey, is an NJREA member. Hiltner serves on the NJREA Editorial Committee. She is currently a teacher of English learners in the School District of Philadelphia.