Friday, March 2, 2018 - WAYNE, NJ - Pioneer Academy and their Theatre Club students were recognized and awarded by the United Nations Staff Relief Committee for Syrian Refugees for their service in helping fundraise for Syrian refugees at the UN Headquarters in NYC earlier this month. Students helped UN secretariat officers raise over $7,000 and stir awareness for the Syrian refugee crisis through a food bazaar. Students also met with the Secretary General, Antonio Guterres. The English and Fine Arts department collaboratively taught lessons on the refugee crisis and created products to help preparations necessary to contribute to the fundraising efforts.

United Nations Secretariat staff member, Nabil Al-Midani, currently an Associate News Writer and Multimedia Producer, delivered the award certificates and a moving speech. You can make a change, he said, because you are the future leaders and the world is in your hands. He encouraged students and faculty to continue efforts to support their local communities and spread awareness. Theatre club presenters, Judy Al-Midani, 10th grade, says let's make this Earth a better place. Peace should be kept all over the world, and we shouldn't have to live in fear. Mr. Tufan Aydin, the principal of Pioneer Academy, encouraged students to take what they learn beyond the classroom and be the change they want to see.

The Pioneer Academy Theatre Club seeks to educate students and the community about the theatrical arts. The club promotes learning about theatre through activities, trips and productions that enhance the educational goals of the theatrical discipline. It also strives to foster an appreciation of all forms of the performing arts and to provide opportunities for artistic growth within the organization itself as well as within the community. Membership is open to all students who share the club's goal of promoting awareness of theater and performing arts on campus and in the community. The Club Advisor & Lead Director is Ms. Elliotte Lee and Technical Director, Ms. Caitlin Van Duyne. Pioneer Academy's Theatre Club is performing David Almond's Skellig this year on April 19, 2018. The Theatre Club has always welcomed donations of many kinds. Donations can come in many forms; volunteering your time and expertise or contributing items in-kind are just a few of the many ways that you can play a role in making our next season a success.