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 Features:
A Message
from Claes Nobel
A Message from
Outgoing Student Council
Advisory
Board Highlights
New Student
Council
College-Bound
Advice
The Value of
Taking AP Classes
Begin College
Applications Now
My Take on the
SAT
Getting a Head
Start Never Hurt Anybody
Spotlight
on Service -- From your own Backyard to a Nicaragua
Village
The Power of Committed
Citizens -- Helping the Poor in Nicaragua
J.M.H. Academy
Volunteer Effort -- Cordele, Georgia, Health and Rehabilitation
Center
Giving Back
to Your Local Community
Special
Opportunities -- Students Take Advantage of Exciting
Programs
AFS Exchange
Program -- Living in Brazil
Summer Business
Institute -- LEAD (Leadership Education and
Development)
Summer in
Switzerland for Natasa Kovasevic
Food for Thought
For the Devout
Carb-Quitters: New Bread that is Literally Nothing
Living
Successfully
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 The Power of Committed Citizens is Enough to Change
the World: Helping the Poor in Nicaragua Michael
Marra Northport High School Northport, New
York
Northport High School also offers a unique service
opportunity in the club Students for 60,000, founded by social
studies teacher Dr. Peter White. Members of this club work actively
to aid the needy and homeless. One outstanding project is the club's
biannual trek to help improve the lives of the impoverished in
Charcaseca, Nicaragua, a city with virtually no electricity or
running water. Thanks to the efforts of Northport High students
there is now a school with a primitive kitchen, and newly dug wells.
On February 18, 2004 as a junior I made my third trip to this
region. We brought over $20,000 in cash along with donated clothing
and school and medical supplies. Throughout the summer and fall we
held "creative" local fundraising and personally delivered all
donated money and supplies to this city. The club believes that they
can do much more than just send a check from our suburban comforts
and luxuries. They undertake these trips not only to deliver a check
but to bring 50 to 100 suitcases overflowing with supplies. They
also work alongside the residents and learn about the destitution
these people endure and why they live in such conditions. This
experience has taught me to be humble beyond words. I have lived and
slept with people who have literally nothing but are among the
happiest people I have ever spent time with.
My experiences in Nicaragua
and with the Students for 60,000 club have inspired by to reroute my
life's course. My goals and passions have taken a shift from more
trivial focuses to a solid philanthropist mission. They have led me
to other volunteer projects that others may wish to
implement. Michael and club members with Nicaraguan
childrenThis past November I chaired a project called
S.H.A.N.T.Y. This project is a simulation of being homeless for one
night outside. Each participant is responsible for finding a
cardboard box for a one-night home and raising $75.00. Approximately
100 students participated, and we were able to raise an astounding
$13,000 in one night.
Another program that I am involved in
is "Read for Those in Need." As an avowed avid reader I had always
wished this club could establish a program which not only raise
money but also incorporate the promotion and practice of literature
reading and appreciation. My friend, a few teachers, and I were able
to initiate a program called "Read for Those in Need." This program
is being implemented in our entire school district including six
elementary schools, two middle schools, and a high school of about
2,000 students. Our vision is that this program will grow
exponentially around the country. The program's premise is that
students read or do an activity related with literature and find a
sponsor who will pledge money for the project. The club members
collect the money from the sponsors and manage the funds and the
project entirely on their own.
Projects like these prove
that a small group of people can have a large impact on the others.
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