Bright future begins with $30,000
for Academy expansion

Looks of astonishment, gasps, tears, hugs and applause were the order of the day as Senator Mike Nozzolio helped bring the dreams of a small not-for-profit organization one giant step closer to coming true.

The raw winds and steady downpour on October 25 weren't about to dampen anyone's spirits. Dozens of people streamed on to the large, welcoming porch of the Mangan family's home at Alasa Farms.

Word had been received that Senator Nozzolio wanted to meet with organizers of ALASA Academy and members of the community who have participated in the Academy's programs over the past four years. ALASA stands for Alternative Learning Academy for Student Achievement. Their summer workshops for children were expanded to three, one-week sessions this year and offer a fresh approach to a summer day-camp experience.

Awareness of and concern for the environment, interpersonal skills, team building, importance of community service, and personal pride are only a sampling of the values that ALASA Academy reinforces while providing a real-world opportunity to make math, science, journaling, and other areas of academia a part of each child's life that they can relate to day to day.

ALASA Academy is a registered 501(c)3 not for profit organization. Founder and President Sharon Maher has tenaciously sought to grow the program since its inception. A primary goal has been to purchase 10 acres of property at Alasa Farms, where the Academy could erect its own building and enable them to conduct programs for children all year.

Nozzolio beamed as he lauded the efforts of ALASA Academy and their dedication to the children of Wayne County. 'You are helping kids to engage in the right activities, to get a good start in life, to do the right thing,' Nozzolio said, and shared his thoughts on the importance of providing the children of Wayne County with such a unique learning opportunity.

One of the facets of the Academy's program that is of particular significance to Nozzolio its partnership with Cracker Box Palace Farm Animal Haven, which also resides at Alasa Farms. An integral part of the Academy's curriculum is daily hands-on experience with the animals at the haven, many of which have been rescued from cruelty, abuse, and neglect.

Nozzolio paraphrased the words of the late Mahatma Ghandi: 'A great nation is judged not only by how it treats its people but how it treats its animals.'

He commended the partnership between the two organizations and the value that, together, they provide to the community. A hush came over the crowd as Senator Nozzolio addressed Sharon Maher and the other Alasa Academy volunteers and thanked them for their dedication and commitment to the children of Wayne County. Then he presented Maher with a grant for $30,000 - the amount necessary to purchase the land and begin building their school. He extended his thanks to Sodus Town Supervisor Steve LeRoy and the Sodus Town Board for their support of the Academy's efforts, and the show of faith that all have exhibited toward the value of the Academy's programs.

Maher hugged the Senator and said, 'We're launched! We promise you that we won't fail you, the children, or the county.'

Expanding the dream of enriching the lives of Wayne County's youth is on its way to becoming reality; exciting plans are being put in place, and the future looks very bright for ALASA Academy.

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