Union Local Middle School’s Community Connections Committee’s annual Appreciation Luncheon will take place on April 2 at 11 a.m. (Photo provided)

MORRISTOWN – Union Local Middle School’s Community Connections Committee is gearing up to host its third annual Appreciation Luncheon on April 2 at 11 a.m. in the High School Commons.

Committee member and seventh-grade math teacher Natalie Michaels said that the event aims to express gratitude and celebrate the collaborative efforts that have enhanced the educational experiences of the school’s students. It invites local business owners and individuals who have played a crucial role in supporting the school.

“We look forward to a meaningful gathering, fostering connections between our school and the supportive local community,” Michaels said. “The committee works with the Jets Boosters who sponsor the luncheon. We work with them to put this event together to thank our individuals that have sponsored or partnered with us – whether it be monetary donations to help different organizations or businesses that have helped us here at the school – as well as our senior citizens that help with our school functions.”

The theme for this year’s luncheon, Michaels said, is “to make a difference.”

“We can’t do it without the community and we appreciate their support. And that’s what it all goes back to -thanking them for their support to help our school. And it’s just an appreciation of everybody that comes together to help,” Michaels said.

The committee is made up of middle school faculty and was formed to help create the goal of a new Community Recreation and Education Zone.

The goal for the area – which will have basketball courts, pickleball courts, a volleyball court and an outdoor science, technology, engineering and math classroom – to be completed by 2027.

The newly developed area will serve as not only a facility for its middle school students, but it will be open to the community after school hours.

Michaels said that the luncheon will be catered by Schlepp’s Family Restaurant.

“Each year we choose one of our local businesses to cater the luncheon and this year we chose Schlepp’s,” she said. “It’s important that we use our local businesses because they support us and we want to continue to support them.”

Michaels added that she believes the school and local businesses continuing to support each other is good because it creates a team in the community.

Attendees must RSVP to Ruthie Martin at 740-782-1388 or rmartin@ulschools.com by Tuesday, March 17.