Greg Adaline | WIS TV | Feb. 20, 2025
A simple act of giving and love from students at the oldest Catholic school in downtown Columbia made for a heartwarming scene this week.
“We like to say that our school is the heart of the city. We have kids and families that are extremely generous,” said Kylie Skotniski, principal at St. Peter’s Catholic School.
Students at the school collected money to donate to Army Emergency Relief, a nonprofit agency that assists soldiers with unexpected expenses. Three Soldiers from Fort Jackson were on hand at the 173-year-old school downtown Tuesday morning for a check presentation.
The students raised their own money through chores at home and donated the funds during what the school calls “Dress Down Days.” These are specific days during the school year where students who normally wear uniforms are allowed to dress more casually.
At St. Peter’s, each “Dress Down Day” has a theme and a designated charity that receives donations. This time, the donations went to the men and women in uniform — those who lay their lives on the line for our freedom.
Renee Emery is the enrollment director and offers parental support at St. Peter’s Catholic School.
“We love to be able to give back to the community. We have so many areas around Columbia that we love to support, because they support our school,” she said.
Listening to the students, it’s clear the school’s mission of faith, hope and charity is taking hold. Sterling Outen is a 6th grader at St. Peter’s. When asked how it feels to give, she said, “It helps remind us that we are all together, and we help people. It’s really happy, and it makes me happy.”
Emma Rios is another 6th grader at the school.
“When I donate it feels really good, and I just feel really calm and excited about it. And I just feel good for helping other people,” she said.
Bailey Wesley, another 6th grader agreed.
“I’m so grateful that I could have the opportunity to be in this, to help other people,” she said.
On Tuesday, it was three Soldiers from Fort Jackson on the receiving end of a hero’s welcome, receiving almost $200 of the students’ hard-earned cash. Capt. Poku Dankwah is based at Fort Jackson and explained how the money donated Tuesday will be used.
“The money goes to Soldiers that are in need. If they need a little bit extra, it’s (AER is) supposed to be the No. 1 option to make sure they’re not going to predatory lenders or anything like that. Come to us so we can assist you in matters that you need help with.”
For these Soldiers, seeing the outstretched hands of the students seated in the hallway was a reminder of why they do what they do. They each walked down the hallway and received high fives from each child at the school.
“It was great. It motivates me and I use it as motivation as to why I love to be in the Army, because I do it for the kids. I do it for everybody, just to keep our country great,” said Capt. Poku Dankwah.
Skotniski said the day at her school was a tremendous success.
“I think the high fives were a hit,” she said with a smile. “We have a lot of families with kids whose parents serve at Fort Jackson. So, to be able to bring that to our school was really special today.”
A reminder that here at St. Peter’s, heroes are honored and love is on full display.
Watch the WIS video story here.