student_giving_thanks_web.jpgRIVIERA BEACH — Students at West Riviera Elementary School received a big surprise last week from community partners who brought backpacks filled with school supplies.

Attorneys with the national law firm Akerman, along with the Dixon Ticonderoga Co. on Jan. 22 donated the supplies.

“For most of our students and their families getting the school supplies they need to be successful in school can be challenging,” said West Riviera Elementary Principal Tonja Lindsey Latson. “This extremely generous donation from Akerman and Dixon Ticonderoga will help our students to reach their full potential.  I want to thank these wonderful community partners for supporting our students and school.”

The children received the backpacks at a special ceremony, themed “Education can make Dreams come True,” at the school’s
pavilion. As part of the presentation, 60 West Riviera students from grades K-5 drew on a sidewalk to illustrate their personal ambitions,
visions of their school and thanks to parents, teachers, school district leaders, and donors.

“We are proud to come together with Dixon Ticonderoga Co. as allies in the community to meet the needs of many children, particularly at-risk students, encouraging them to make education a priority and to support their teachers and schools,” said Akerman West Palm Beach Office Managing Partner Eric Gordon. 

“Communities depend on caring corporate citizens such as Akerman to keep our schools fully supplied,” said Timothy M. Gomez, CEO of Dixon Ticonderoga Co. “We applaud Akerman for recognizing this critical classroom need and challenging other companies to help us provide high-quality writing and art supplies for our young writers and artists.