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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


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
children

This 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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