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Ursuline seniors honored for “A Bear and a Book” project, publish children's book now on Amazon

Ursuline seniors honored for “A Bear and a Book” project, publish children's book now on Amazon

by Shannon Dufresne
 

When Ursuline seniors Lauren C ’26 and Peyton S ’26 carried bags of teddy bears and books into their first classroom visit in November 2023, they had no idea how quickly their idea would grow. Less than two years later, their A Bear and a Book Project has reached 1,941 children in 93 schools, sparking a love of reading in classrooms and earning recognition from Yonkers City Hall to Capitol Hill.

At Ursuline, students strive to live out the school’s motto of Serviam—Latin for “I will serve”—by finding meaningful ways to give back. Lauren and Peyton say that commitment to service shaped their vision and gave their project its purpose.

“Ursuline’s motto of Serviam has inspired me because it reminds me to always find ways to give back,” Peyton said. “Any idea, no matter how small, can make a big difference if you put it into action.”

Lauren added, “Serviam pushes me to look at the needs around me and step up. This project lets me serve others through something I love—reading and writing.”

“Ursuline’s motto of Serviam has inspired me because it reminds me to always find ways to give back. Any idea, no matter how small, can make a big difference if you put it into action.”
- Peyton S '26

From small idea to big impact

The project began as a conversation between classmates who shared a love of books. Both attended Paideia School 15 in Yonkers before enrolling at Ursuline, where teachers encouraged them to pursue their passions and give back. At Ursuline, English teacher Ms. Tonianne Bellomo deepened their appreciation for reading and writing and challenged them to use their gifts in service to others—a momentum that helped spark A Bear and a Book.

Their plan was simple: read to young children, then leave behind a bear and a book to encourage reading at home.

“Even though it’s just a small bag with a bear and a book, it means so much to the kids,” Lauren said. “That’s what makes it all worth it.”

The response has been immediate. Children clutch their new stuffed animals, open their books, and often start reading aloud before Lauren and Peyton even leave the room. “It feels really good to see their reactions,” Peyton said. “In some classes, the kids begin reading right away.”

“Serviam pushes me to look at the needs around me and step up. This project lets me serve others through something I love—reading and writing.”
- Lauren C ’26

Recognition for Serviam in action

The project’s reach quickly caught the attention of local leaders. In March 2024, the Yonkers City Council awarded the students Certificates of Recognition for their commitment to literacy.

On September 11, 2025, U.S. Rep. George Latimer, who represents New York’s 16th Congressional District, honored Lauren and Peyton on the congressional floor, praising their work as an example of young people making a lasting impact.* 

Overcoming obstacles, gaining confidence

Like many service projects, A Bear and a Book faced early challenges. Funding each gift bag costs about $6, and finding resources proved difficult at first. Lauren and Peyton turned to local businesses, teachers, and individual donors for support. The community responded generously, sponsoring entire classrooms.

“Since launching this project, I’ve learned that I’m capable of more than I thought,” Lauren said. “Fundraising and organizing at this scale pushed me to grow as a leader.”

Peyton agreed, noting how the project stretched her skills. “This experience taught me so much about teamwork, creativity, and perseverance,” she said.

Looking ahead

Lauren and Peyton continue to dream big. They aim to expand the project to new schools, carry it into their future college communities, and one day even bring it overseas. Peyton hopes to study sports management, business, or communications, while Lauren envisions a path tied to English and service.

In the meantime, they have already reached a milestone: publishing their own book, also titled A Bear and a Book, now available on Amazon.

“English has been a passion of mine since I can remember,” Lauren said. “Sharing that through a book of our own feels like the perfect next step.”

Serviam, with every turn of the page

From Yonkers classrooms to recognition in Washington, Lauren and Peyton have shown what it means to live our motto of Serviam. Their friendship and determination transformed a small idea into nearly 2,000 acts of kindness—reminding the entire Ursuline school community that service is not only what we do, but who we are.

📚 A Bear and a Book is available now on Amazon HERE. All proceeds go directly to helping fund the Bear and a Book program.

* Watch the recognition HERE.

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