School board member volunteers time at church to help children
“I try to be someone the kids can look up to and talk to about things bothering them."
By Alex Topor
Alice Cooper hopes children in the Sto-Rox community see her as someone they can turn to in times of need.
Cooper, who is retired, volunteers at Faithbridge Community Church and recently became a member of the Sto-Rox School Board. The Detroit native has been living in the McKees Rocks area for about seven years and has been volunteering at the church for six. Cooper is the administrator of the Children’s Church at Faithbridge and also runs the summer lunch program.
“I try to be someone the kids can look up to and talk to about things bothering them. That is one of the reasons why I chose to get on the school board – because I heard from children they didn't like what was happening at the school,” Cooper said. “The opportunity arose to get on the board and I wanted the kids to see not only do I care about them in church but outside of church as well.”
Cooper joined the Sto-Rox School Board in February when there was a vacancy.
“I thought it was important to join the school board because I felt like I needed to be more than just a voice in the church but in the school board as well,” Cooper said. “I feel like it all ties together.”
Since joining the school board, Cooper said she has helped work on a new math program for grades kindergarten to eighth grade. She has enjoyed her time so far, but says she has a lot to learn.
“I think it's a joy though I have a lot to learn because I am new, but I can already see a difference. I think we're changing Sto-Rox into a better school district,” Cooper said. “It will take a lot of time and effort. Positive change won’t happen overnight.”
Cooper said before COVID-19 hit the area the board was working on updating various policies and procedures at the district. Now that things are picking back up again, Cooper and the board will continue on the project.
Cooper said she volunteers so much of her time because she wants children to know their importance.
“I think it's important to help because these children are important – they’re our future. We need to look out for our children because everybody kinda puts their nose down at our little area, but I feel there's a lot of children in Mckees Rocks with potential,” Cooper said. “It is important we see that these children get what they deserve education-wise so they can go places in life just like kids in the surrounding districts.”