Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School Students Launch Equipment Drive and Fundraiser to Support Kids Lacrosse Africa

The Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School Committee Members

Students at Summit Middle School launched a community fundraiser, raising $2,930 to support Kids Lacrosse Africa and youth programs in Uganda.

SUMMIT, NJ, UNITED STATES, January 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Signature Foundation is proud to announce a youth-led partnership with Lawton C. Johnson Summit Middle School in Summit, New Jersey, where students and families have come together to support Kids Lacrosse Africa (KLA) through an equipment drive and a student-organized lacrosse tournament fundraiser.

The initiative began when the Englert Family reached out to the Signature Foundation to explore ways their sons, Pierce (8th grade), Shaughn (7th grade), and Joey (6th grade), could make a positive impact. What started as a family conversation quickly grew into a school-wide effort, inspiring classmates, coaches, and families to get involved.

A Committee of Young Leaders

A dedicated committee of Summit Middle School students is leading the project with enthusiasm and purpose. Committee members include:

8th Grade
Pierce Englert
Nikos Quesada
Asher Adel
Jack Brupbacher
Jack Duttenhofer
Declan Rende
Henry Ascher

6th–7th Grade
Joey Englert (6th)
Shaughn Englert (7th)

At the time of writing, the student-led committee has already raised $2,930, demonstrating the power of youth leadership and community support in action.

A Partnership Rooted in Purpose

Kids Lacrosse Africa provides access to sport, education, mentorship, and leadership development for more than 300 children across Uganda. Through equipment donations and local fundraisers like this one, supporters help KLA expand programming, provide scholarships, and reach new communities, including Adjumani and Palisa, in 2026.

“We are incredibly inspired by these students,” said Maddie Soviero, Director of International Efforts at The Signature Foundation. “Their initiative shows what happens when young people step forward with passion and purpose. This is leadership in action.”

Supporting Kids Across the World

Funds and equipment raised through the drive and tournament will directly support Kids Lacrosse Africa’s efforts to:

•Supply sticks, pads, goals, and gear to young athletes in Uganda
•Expand coaching and leadership development programs
•Provide safe spaces for children to play and learn
•Fund scholarships and meals for students in need

“The fact that middle school students want to support children across the globe says everything about their character,” said Andrew Mamawi, Executive Director of Kids Lacrosse Africa. “We are grateful for the Englert Family, Coach DeFonzo, and every student making this possible.”

A Movement Powered by Youth

For the Signature Foundation, this partnership represents the heart of its mission, empowering young leaders to use sport as a force for good.

“What Pierce, Shaughn, Joey, and the entire Summit Middle School committee are doing is transformational,” said Dan Soviero, CEO of Signature Athletics and Co-Founder of The Signature Foundation. “Their involvement proves that giving back has no age limit. This is how real change begins.”

About Kids Lacrosse Africa

Kids Lacrosse Africa (KLA) is a Uganda-based youth development program that uses lacrosse to educate, empower, and build strong character in children. Through partnerships with schools and communities, KLA provides coaching, mentorship, meals, and scholarships that open doors to opportunity.

About The Signature Foundation

The Signature Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding global access to sport, education, and opportunity. Since 2019, the Foundation has partnered with Kids Lacrosse Africa to grow sustainable youth programs, fund scholarships, and support community-led leadership development.

Support the Fundraiser

If you would like to support the incredible work these students are doing and help bring sport, education, and opportunity to kids across Uganda, you can contribute to the fundraiser below.

👉 Click here to support the fundraiser

Kylee Renouf
Signature Athletics
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