Miss Ocean City 2016, Shannon Wallace, reads a special holiday story to the kindergarten classes.
The Ocean City community, in coordination with JASM Consulting and Johnson’s Popcorn of Ocean City, spread holiday cheer to the students of the International Academy of Atlantic City Charter School (IAAC) last week. Every student from kindergarten through third grade was presented a surprise Johnson’s Popcorn bucket filled with toys, gift cards, school supplies, clothing and treats.
Students of the International Academy of Atlantic City Charter School celebrate after receiving their special holiday treats
The gifts, dubbed “Buckets of Joy,” were the result of a major holiday fundraising effort by JASM Consulting and Johnson’s Popcorn, with generous support from the Exchange Club of Ocean City, Playland’s Castaway Cove and many individual donors from the greater Ocean City community. Miss Ocean City 2016, Shannon Wallace, was on hand to pass out the buckets, meet and greet all the children and read a holiday story to kindergarten classes.
“We are extremely grateful to our friends, colleagues and business associates from the Ocean City community who helped make this event possible,” said Aimee Schultz, owner of JASM Consulting and creator of the event.
The IAAC, located at 25 West Black Horse Pike in Pleasantville, uses a rigorous college-preparatory system of education to close achievement gaps for students in danger of falling behind. Many of these students overcome significant obstacles and hardships to attend school and excel. Students of the IAAC are pushed to achieve a demanding level of attendance, behavior and academic achievement every day.
“This is one of the most rewarding things we have ever done… what a moving experience,” Schultz said.
“What an incredible surprise for the kids,” said Michael Barnes of the IAAC. “We thank the Ocean City Community, JASM Consulting, and Johnson’s Popcorn for everything they did to make this holiday season a happy one for our students and their families.”
—News release from JASM Consulting