On October 2, 2024, the Families Behind the Badge Children’s Foundation (FBBCF) presented a $10,000 check to St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School (STA) for its Instrumental Music Program.
FBBCF has been a strong partner of STA for its various programs that make student life at STA fun and exciting. Whether it be decorating gingerbread houses at Christmas or planting seedlings in spring, FBBCF has always shown STA students how relationship-building between law enforcement and the community is vital in ensuring a safe and healthy community. This building of relationships comes in many different forms. This time, FBBCF provided STA with financial support to continue its Instrumental Music Program.
The grant will help STA to add more instruments and resources to the program which will allow STA to offer the program to even more students. Our Instrumental Music Program has shown increased student motivation and improved academic skills. Music provides a way for students to work out feelings including negative emotions or sentiments that contribute to the unruly behaviors and violence of our youths. FBBCF’s support of this program will mean students can shift into an optimistic mindset that helps confront the negative through expressive melodies and beats, and by creating music with their peers.
FBBCF Executive Director Mark O’Connor and Associate Director Jack Costello presented the check to Principal McCloskey and Assistant Principal Lacina during FBBCF’s annual Beneficiary Party held at the FOP Lodge#5 in Philadelphia.