News & Events
Making a Difference
Spring 2007
Students at New Road School of Parlin learned how even one young person can make a difference in other people’s lives after reading an article about 11 year old Ryan Hreljac.
Ryan started a charitable organization when he was just 7 years old called Ryan’s Well. Mrs. Rytel’s class was inspired by Ryan’s efforts and wanted to try their hands at making a difference.
The students brainstormed ideas of how they could help raise money for Ryan’s Well Foundation, which raises money for water and sanitation projects in developing countries. The winning idea was to sell bottled water to the staff on Tuesdays. They set a fundraising goal of $100.00 and worked many months to achieve it. They learned that each and every person who takes action is making a difference.
Ryan’s Well has raised more than $1.5 million dollars and has helped build more than 200 wells in 11 countries, mostly in Africa. The rippled effect of Ryan’s efforts continues to educate and affect the lives of others in positive ways.
