There was not a dry eye at the back of the auditorium at Seth Boyden Elementary School on Friday afternoon, March 19.

The multi-age (first and second grade) and second grade students had just finished singing the song, "Growing Hope for Haiti," written by Seth Boyden teacher and composer Linda Bartholomew. But the rousing song (listen to the video clip) was not the only reason that a number of Seth Boyden parents were dabbing tears from their cheeks.

"Hope for Haiti" is an idea generated by a program of the Junior League of the Oranges and Short Hills to foster volunteerism in young, school-age children. The Junior League chapter started the volunteerism program with two schools in Millburn last year and branched out to eight schools throughout Millburn, Maplewood and South Orange this year. Junior League local chapter president Elizabeth Duncan Pederson was on-hand to address the students.

Besides giving each child a copy of the book, "The Littlest Volunteer"—which tells the story of Annie Ant and her discovery that, despite her small size, she can make a difference—the local Junior League chapter gave each school $200 to create a volunteer program.

Because of the embedded Haitian community at Seth Boyden, the second grade teachers felt that a project to aid Haiti was an obvious choice.

The children—as they explained themselves at the lectern—painted 500 pots in the colors of the Haitian flag and planted forget-me-nots to remind people not to forget about Haiti as other disasters and stories have replaced it in the news. The pots are being sold for $2 each (though "we won't discourage people from paying more," said principal Mark Quiles) every day this week from 2:40 p.m. until 3:05 p.m. in the library hallway at the school. Fifth graders will buy on Monday; fourth graders on Tuesday; third graders on Wednesday; first graders on Thursday; and kindergarteners on Friday. Second grade and multi-age students can purchase plants any day. Plants that are left will be sold at the Seth Boyden Talent Show on Saturday.

The goal is to raise at least $1,000.

Perhaps most movingly, Seth Boyden mom Rose Dumay spoke to the assembly (her son Jaidan is a second grader at Seth Boyden). Dumay came to the U.S. from Haiti at age 11 and still has family back in Haiti. "When I heard about this program, I wanted to say a few words," said Dumay. She spoke of how, in 40 seconds, Haiti captured the attention of the world and of her belief that there are "better days ahead and that this is a new beginning for Haiti." She saw the help and support of Seth Boyden children and others around the globe as helping to grow the "future president, teachers and doctors of Haiti."

The children also learned the song "Growing Hope for Haiti." The song, as noted before, was written by second grade teacher Linda Bartholomew who has a degree in Music Education and Applied Voice from Northwestern University. Years ago, Bartholomew wrote lyrics for commercials in New York City while training as an opera singer. "I tend to write songs that combine various aspects of the curriculum to help children learn in a musical way," said Bartholomew.

Marveling at Bartholomew's talent, Quiles said, "Each of our teachers has great strengths and they just enrich the whole school."

Seth Boyden parent Julie Kelman was moved and energized. "I want them to come sing this for my students," she said. Kelman teaches ESL courses at the Adult School. Five of Kelman's 17 adult students are from Haiti, but she said that 70 to 80 percent of the students in the beginner level are Haitian.

Afterward, another parent, Barbara Davis, was effusive about Seth Boyden School: "I cry at all the assemblies!" she said. Dumay likewise expressed her happiness with Seth Boyden: "We love this school."

As students and parents filed out of the auditorium, the voices of the second graders and multi-age students filled the room again with the chorus of the song:

We are growing hope for Haiti

We want to be the sun that shines

We are growing hope for Haiti

So the future will be fine—all in time

We are growing hope for Haiti

For they are a part of me

If we care and reach out to share

Then we're a whole world family!