LAWRENCE — Wanted: A passenger van to transport middle school girls from games, field trips and after-school activities.
Yesterday, Esperanza Academy at 198 Garden St., received a $22,853 grant from the Andover-based energy company Enel Cuore to buy such a vehicle.
"We're very happy because this is a testimony that people care and want to make a difference when they see a need," said Head of School Laurie Bottiger.
The grant is the first one awarded in North America by Enel Cuore, a non-profit organization founded in 2003 by Enel SpA.
"This is not a partnership, it's more like a friendship," said Toni Volpe, executive vice president of Enel North America, Inc.
He said employees have experienced firsthand the impact Esperanza has had on the girls and having a van will provide them with more opportunities for field trips and after school activities.
Volpe presented a big check to Bottiger as 70 fifth- through eighth-graders watched in awe. In the audience were other representatives from Enel North America, students, faculty and board members.
The grant represents the capstone of the partnership between the school and the Andover-based energy company, which owns and operates the hydroelectric facility at the Great Stone Dam in Lawrence.
The partnership between Enel and Esperanza Academy began in 2006 when company employees whose friends teach at the school would attend fund-raising events. It expanded with Enel workers judging the school's science fair and the company hiring Esperanza alumni as interns when they reach high school.
"This is part of social responsibility and it's consistent with what the company stands for," Volpe said.
Hank Sennott, director of external relations and communications for Enel, agrees.
"It's a neat connection for us because we are a multinational company and they are a multinational school, so it's a very comfortable fit," Sennott said.
The girls showed their excitement by stomping their feet, clapping their hands and cheering, some holding their hands in the air.
Friends Aimee Valdez, 11, and Scarlett Martinez, 12, could not have been happier.
"I'm very excited because we can go places very easy without renting a van or collecting money to pay for one," Aimee said.
In addition to participating in sporting events, the girls travel to the Essex Art Center for classes on Thursday.
Bottiger said the Webster Family Fund of the Essex County Community Foundation will help the school with the van's maintenance.
Enel and Webster Family Fund are not the only two organizations helping Esperanza. Employees from the Pepsi Co. of Haverhill will spruce up the alley next to the school and do other yard work on Saturday. Meanwhile, Esperanza students will help the cola company serve breakfast at the Lawrence Senior Center.
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