Too cool ... for school
CLINTON TWP — When Gianna Shwallon learned not every little boy and girl can buy school supplies, she was surprised.
“Whaaaaaaaat,” said Gianna, 5, as she drew out the letter 'a'. “Sad” is what she felt.
That is when the South Butler County School District incoming kindergartener had a bright yellow idea — lemons.
Gianna plans to sell lemonade every Friday in July from noon to 4 p.m. at the John W. Thrower Inc. corporate office, 409 Saxonburg Blvd., to raise money in partnership with the Lighthouse Foundation for children who need school supplies.
Lemonade hit the stand July 12 on the first day Gianna was open for business.
Kaity Shwallon of Cabot baked treats and prepared for the opening along with her daughter, she said.
“It's definitely fun to be out here with her and teach her, but also make memories,” Shwallon said. “One of the things I try to instill in all of my kids is that we need to be respectful of the things we have because not everybody gets the same thing.”
In addition to original lemonade, customers can add strawberry and blackberry syrup. Adding strawberry to the lemonade is Gianna's favorite combination and customer recommendation, she said.
Another menu staple are chocolate chip cookies Gianna makes herself, she said.
Other items are subject to change, including the cake pops the mother and daughter baked with a secret ingredient, Gianna said.Gianna's good deeds do not stop with lemons.She has also participated in food drives with her preschool and helps out at her church, Shwallon said, which are learning opportunities. Gianna also participates in pageants.When Gianna's not squeezing lemons for her lemonade, she is playing with her dog, Lulu, and splashing in the water sprinkler with her brother, she said.She has also been preparing to enter school for the first time, Gianna said.“I'm nervous,” she said. “I've never been there.”Every student should have the supplies they need to learn, she said.Parents should teach their school-age children that not every household can afford the same things, she said.The best time to enjoy a glass of lemonade is on a hot, summer day, Gianna said. Selling it on Friday only makes it sweeter.“Money is the best part,” she said about selling lemonade because it is going to a good cause. “I feel happy.”
WHAT: Gianna Shwallon's lemonade standWHEN: Noon to 4 p.m. every Friday in JulyWHERE: John W. Thrower Inc. corporate office, 409 Saxonburg Blvd., SaxonburgMENU STAPLES: Original lemonade; strawberry or blackberry syrup; chocolate chip cookiesMORE INFORMATION; Visit facebook.com/glemonade/
