Manassas Park Middle School Volunteer Club Raises Money for Therapy Center

The members of the Manassas Park Middle School Joe 15 Team Club had a pretty good school year.

This year, the team raised enough money to send a child to the Rainbow Center in Haymarket which offers children and wounded veterans therapeutic equestrian experiences to help with physical, mental, social, educational or behavioral goals, said Karen Kelly, the parent sponsor of the club at middle school. 

The money was presented to Debi Alexander, the executive director of the Rainbow Center on June 5.

The funds raised by the team allowed one child to have an eight-week riding lesson at no cost to his or her family, club advisers said.

Each year the Joe 15 Team, a civic organization, votes to "adopt" a charitable  organization in the community by learning more about what they do, raising money and inviting its leaders to come and speak with the team.

In the past, the team adopted a local animal shelter food pantry. Joe 15 Team members also visit senior citizens at the Caton Merchant House in Manassas once a month.

The Joe 15 Team has clubs at several middle and high schools in the area.

It was started by Debbie Page-Maples and is named in honor of her son, Joe Page, who was gunned down by uninvited guests to a Super Bowl Party he attended on Feb. 3, 2008.

 He was airlifted to Fairfax Hospital where he died four days later.

 Page-Maples said she decided to start the group after seeing all her son's friends gathered in the hallway of the hospital as her son fought for his life. The number 15 was his favorite number.

Leave your school year commendations for your favorite student or teacher in the comments section.