By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

GARYVILLE – Volunteers from Marathon Petroleum donated school supplies to Garyville/Mt. Airy Math and Science Magnet School and East St. John Elementary School on Tuesday as part of the company’s adopt-a-school program.
The group of volunteers unloaded 90 backpacks filled with marble composition notebooks, paper and binders and other items from the St. John School District’s supply list at each school, for a total of 180 backpacks. Ten backpacks were given to each K-8 grade. The company also donated bulk stocks of the supplies.
The volunteer group stopped in to visit two classes in progress at Garyville/Mt. Airy Magnet.
“I think it’s awesome because we have so many kids that are in need. They can come here, and that’s one less thing they have to be concerned about, whether or not they have the right tools to be successful in the classroom,” said Rosalind Weber-Davis, the new principal of the magnet school.
Davis said the school gives the bags to students who are most in need. The company has donated supplies and manpower to area schools for six years. East St. John High School is also included as one of Marathon’s adopted schools.
Aspen Steib, Community Relations Coordinator for Marathon Petroleum, said the company’s backpack drive is one
of many outreach efforts the company does to support its community and promote education.
“Education is the No. 1 priority of our community outreach efforts,” Steib said. “Our employees invest much of their time in the local schools. In addition to monetary awards, we are involved in mentoring programs and science demonstrations because we want our local students to be skilled in math and science so they can have the best opportunity to succeed in their education and beyond.”
Steib said Marathon Petroleum contributes $15,000 each year to each of its adopted schools, and it contributes $1,000 each year to each of the other public and private K-12 schools in St. John the Baptist Parish.
“We’re thrilled to partner with our local schools to encourage and help as many parish students as we can,” Steib said.