Jennifer Gottfried teaches 4th Grade at Iroquois Middle School. She nominated her former students Sophia Borlik, Mya Cenzi, Londyn Cintron, Jonas Stone, and Raquel Curran for their efforts during the 2024-2025 school year in standing up to cancer. In February 2026, they received the Do The Right Thing Award.
Every year, Mrs. Gottfried facilitates a project in her class called The Stand-Up Project. The purpose of this project is to recognize the power of student voice, empowering students to discover their passion, encouraging them to use their voice, and fighting for the change they wish to see. Last year, four of her 4th grade students, Sophia, Mya, Londyn, and Jonas, decided to stand up to cancer. Additionally, Raquel, a student who stood up to cancer the previous year, wanted to continue her efforts for a second year. Most of these students had been personally impacted by this disease.
Before the group made a decision on how they wanted to show their support, they interviewed Irondequoit Town Board Member Ann Cunningham as well as representatives of the Breast Cancer Coalition and 13Thirty Cancer Connect. After the interviews, the group knew they wanted to do a fundraiser and were very motivated to host a pancake breakfast. They applied to have a Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebee’s and were approved! From there, the group worked tirelessly to make the event known, handing out flyers and tickets they created…