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Date: 2/16/2023
LONGMEADOW — The Longmeadow High School (LHS) Parent Advisory Council (PAC) is raising money for student and basketball star Alyssa Gladden-Weldon. On Jan. 24, a fire broke out in the kitchen of her family home leaving the house and all of their possessions destroyed. The PAC has raised $10,135. They are also looking for dishes, towels, toiletries, utensils, pots and pans, and a trash can.
Alyssa’s mother, Aimee Gladden, said, “I didn’t realize this was going to get as big as it’s gotten and I appreciate it all. Everybody from Longmeadow has really gone above and beyond to help out my family. It’s really great to see how the town has come together for us.”
Alyssa is an honor roll student, an active leader of the Anti-Racism Committee and a valued member of the LHS girls varsity basketball team.
Aimee reached out to school counselor Michael Rosemond by email informing him of the fire. The two met in person the next morning with the sophomore to let her teachers know about this tragedy and to make sure Alyssa had everything she needed to get through her first day back at school.
Rosemond recalled, “My heart was broken for Alyssa and her family. They lost most of their possessions in the fire. LHS Principal Tom Landers notified the entire LHS staff about the plight of Alyssa and her family.”
He continued, “The LHS PAC jumped into action as soon as they heard about the fire. Kate Haber, Katie Kroon and Sojung Haag were instrumental in creating a GoFundMe for the Gladden-Weldon family and getting the word out to the Longmeadow community and beyond.”
The PAC is an advisory group of parents who meet with the LHS Administration throughout the school year to discuss educational topics and events. Co-President Kate Haber said, “Alyssa is the kid who is always smiling and including others with her welcoming personality and infectious laugh. To know her is to love her and Longmeadow High School is a better place with her in it. LHS PAC is honored to help Alyssa and her family navigate this tragedy in our small way.”
The Gladden-Weldon family will use the money to replace all the items that was lost in the fire, especially Alyssa’s room because it was closest to the kitchen and she lost the most. All the furniture and electronics had to be thrown out due to the damage. The family was living in a hotel, but now they have rented a living space in Enfield, CT.
“The kindness and generosity displayed time and time again by the town of Longmeadow and Longmeadow High School never ceases to amaze me,” Rosemond said. “I am in awe of the support the community gives in times of crisis. LHS is a truly special place.”
To donate go to www.gofundme.com/f/weldon-family-fire-recovery-fund.