Watchung Hills Students Help 1,600 NJ Residents Get Vaccinated

WARREN, NJ — A group of Watchung Hills High School students, led by Alexa Walters, are on a mission to get as many people in New Jersey vaccinated.

Walters, of Warren and a freshman at the regional high school, first came up with the plan shortly after vaccines became available.

"My parents and I were talking about how hard it was to book a COVID vaccine appointment. I did some research, looked at the COVID death poll numbers and that sealed the deal for me. I had to help people," said Walters.

On Feb. 20, Walters sent a text out to some of her classmates and friends to see if anyone wanted to help form Save Our State Stat. They formed a board of trustees and it took off. The group now has 40 student volunteers.

"It started out as a group of friends and it snowballed into something I never anticipated," said Walters.

Walters and her group have helped more than 1,600 people get COVID vaccine appointments including Warren Township Deputy Mayor Victor Sordillo.

Sordillo spoke highly of Walters and the group during a recent video COVID update.

"I want to thank the high school students who actually got me the appointment. They worked hard," said Sordillo. "I gotta tell you I tried for weeks, at least 10 weeks or more, and they got me an appointment in 2 days. God bless them."

Walters has set up a public Facebook group Save Our State Stat where anyone in New Jersey can ask for help in getting a vaccine appointment.

"I am honestly shocked that this has gone so far, I am grateful to all of our members for their hard work. I am so happy to be able to help the amount of people we did help," said Walters.

Walters stressed the volunteers of the group are the "true backbone of this organization."

"Without them, we wouldn't be doing what we have today," said Walters. "They work tirelessly day and night in order to ensure the amount of people who need to get vaccinated can. They deserve a lot of credit."

To learn more about Save Our State Stat, to volunteer, or for help getting an appointment email sosnjStat@gmail.com or the Facebook page Save Our State Stat.

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