Special to Iredell Free News

To ensure all Mooresville High School seniors in the Class of 2023 graduated debt free, Williamson’s Chapel United Methodist Church donated $27,359 to cover any unpaid charges that a graduating senior accumulated during their years in Mooresville Graded School District.

The money was raised as part of their collection during the season of Lent. Because the amount was more than the amount of senior debt, the excess was applied to unpaid lunch charges of the junior class.

In a letter from Williamson Chapel, Kevin Ward, the director of youth, young adults, and missions, wrote:

“We know much of this debt is carried by the students due to no fault of their own. We also realize that some of these debts are due to mistakes and bad decisions. However, we believe grace should be offered and hope these students can all receive their paper diplomas and a clean slate at graduation.

“We are thrilled to be able to support the students at Mooresville High School and want to congratulate them all on their hard work throughout their school career!”

Superintendent Jason Gardner said the donation was a great gift to the Class of 2023.

“Mooresville Graded School District recognizes the importance of local organizations to assist us in reaching our goal of providing an excellent education and opportunities to our students. It takes a village to ensure the youth of this district and community have the chance to excel while in school and beyond,” Gardner said. “We experienced increased lunch charges this past year due to the sunsetting of the universal free meals that occurred during COVID. Receiving nutritious meals should never be a worry for our students.

“On behalf of our district, as well as all of the students who benefited from this generosity, we want to thank Williamson’s Chapel for caring about every child, every day.”