The Grace B. Luhrs Elementary School Book Fair ran this year from Nov. 19 to 23, and with great success. 

Noreaga Goff, creator of the ICare fund, expanded his reach this year to help more students than ever before. This year’s pool of money for students saw numerous contributions from philanthropists, adding up to a total of $1,100. With this, Goff’s program was able to assist 14 students — seven at Grace B. Luhrs Elementary School (GBLUES) and seven at Nancy Grayson Elementary School.

Reception to the ICare fund has been stellar. Students have run up to hug Goff upon seeing him and are joyed to find out the books they want are within their reach. As an extra treat, Goff sponsored the seven students at GBLUES to spin the library-provided prize wheel. Goff also created bookmarks to give to every child helped this year, printed with the phrase “Kids who read grow up and run the world,” which reflects the fund’s mission. 

Goff continues to push the needle in Shippensburg’s community, connecting with those around him and creating pathways for others. He is a record breaker at Shippensburg University, where he has recently achieved two master’s degrees, one in social work and another in public administration. He is the second student in the school’s history to achieve dual master’s degrees, placing him next to the esteemed Imani Cameron. Now, Goff is putting in the work to earn a doctorate in policy, planning and administration. His work has also inspired the principal of the elementary school to work on creating a children’s book with him about his creation of ICare.  

Goff’s work in ICare has assisted students since the first year of its creation, and it will continue to uplift a love of reading in children for years to come. His message and goal in creating the fund is to never settle for one’s lot in life. What matters is not where someone is or how they got there, but instead that they are trying to do something about it every day. 

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