ESU Student Kayakers Raise Funds in St. Croix for “Kayak for Kids”

Posted by: admin on September 11, 2013, No Comments

Pictured from left to right are: Junia John Straker (LSSVI CEO) with son; Anthony Drago, Ph.D.; Ellen Drago; Mary Lou Wesp; Lindsay Gieseler; Richard Wesp, Ph.D.; Hayley Miller,’15; Jessica Frace, ’14; Lauren Gundrum, ’15; Matt Geidner, ’14; Claire Verrico, ’13; Chelsey Wagner, ’16; Maria L Manno, ’16; Gina Colonna,’14; Cassondra Renna, ’14; Sarah Verrico, ’13; J. T. Torres (event organizer); Kate Higgins’17; Leann Mathews, ’15; Dennis Higgins, ’14; Gabrielle Ciampoli, ’15; and Samantha Haber, ’16.

Richard Wesp, Ph.D., distinguished professor of psychology at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, has led groups of students to St. Croix to work with Lutheran Social Services of the Virgin Islands (LSSVI) for the past 12 years.  He and his students are among the kayakers and stand-up paddle boarders who have helped raise funds for the Queen Louise Home for Children on St. Croix by participating in Kayak for Kids. This annual event is organized by LSSVI, a not for profit human services agency that offers programs for abused, abandoned and neglected children, pregnant women and families, low income seniors, and adults with disabilities. Through the support of donors, volunteers, and Lutheran Social Services employees, LSSVI is able to fulfill its mission of “Working Together, Making Lives Better.”