A Wawa associate was so impressed with a group of well-behaved QCHS students who showed up after each Friday night football game they are throwing them a party.
By Gary Weckselblatt
Quakertown parents, ya done good!
A business thought so much of your children’s polite and respectful behavior they’re throwing them a party. The honor is being given to approximately two dozen students who attend Quakertown Community High School and were part of the Student Section for Friday night football games. Following each game, whether it be home or away, the students traveled to the Wawa on West Pumping Station Road and Route 309 for a sit-down meal.
“They were so very polite and so very patient,” said Michelle Yerkes, a Wawa associate who developed a friendship with the group and suggested a party to the store manager to repay the students’ excellent behavior. “There were 20 to 30 of them every Friday night, and it was crowded. But they waited nicely and always cleaned up after themselves. They’re just all-around good kids.”
Ty Wilkin, a Student Section leader, said the students were looking for a place to unwind following the game, and other restaurants were crowded. So they checked out the Wawa, which was remodeled in April, and added tables.
“We’d yell and have fun at games after a long week and then went to Wawa to kind of decompress,” Ty said. “We did not leave until everything was cleaned up. We developed a nice bond (with Ms. Yerkes) and wanted to make her feel welcome and not obliged to clean up after us. She always asked us how the game went. There were lots of please and thank yous.”
QCHS Principal Mattias van 't Hoenderdaal commended the students’ behavior and the community partnership. “This showing of student leadership is the perfect example for all students to follow,” he said. “Our young people are making a positive impression in the community and they are being rewarded for doing the right thing. We appreciate Wawa reaching out to make this happen.”
Ms. Yerkes said the party will include a catering tray with hoagies and mac and cheese, which is what the students typically ordered. “We just want to show our appreciation,” she said. “We’re so proud of these kids.”
QCHS senior Emma Hilton, part of the Student Section, said the students were discussing Wawa’s generosity and “felt grateful. It feels nice that an everyday act of being respectful goes a long way.”
Each Friday, the students came in wearing whatever the theme of the game was, for example: Hawaiian Night, Camo, USA, Pink, Gold. They took group photos and included Ms. Yerkes. “She was always so excited to see us and we were excited to see her, too,” Emma said.
“I wish them well in the future,” Ms. Yerkes said. “Their parents have taught them to be polite and kind and it shows.”
Gary Weckselblatt, QCSD Director of Communications, writes about the people and the programs that impact the Quakertown Community School District. He can be reached at 215-529-2028 or [email protected].