By Melanie Petrucci, Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Members of Shrewsbury High School’s senior class recently organized a fundraising effort at the school for those affected by the devastation of Hurricane Harvey. Students and administrators raised an amazing $5,000 that will be sent to the Houston Independent School District.
“We had already begun to mobilize as a school in trying to do something,” Assistant Principal P.J. O’Connell said, “and the generosity of the students was amazing. It was a combined effort between the students and staff.”
“The students put together a video for students and staff that illustrated the level of devastation and what it might be like if we were in a similar situation and how we could help the students of Houston,” he added.
Collections took place during the student’s lunch periods and the funds were counted and dispersed in quick succession.
Shrewsbury senior Michaela Kelly helped to organize the collection.
“I was really happy that in such a short amount of time we were able to come together and make this happen because these people needed our help and it was nice that as a community we could make that happen,” she said.
“I am most proud of our seniors understanding and demonstration of empathy for those in need and mobilizing to try to make an impact on their world,” added Todd Bazydlo, the school’s principal.
Dr. Joseph Sawyer, the superintendent of the Shrewsbury Public Schools offered his praise for the efforts.
“I am very proud of the fact that our students were so generous to fellow students in another part of the country.”
Sawyer noted it was “personally gratifying” to him as well as he has connections to the Houston area.
“I spent the early part of my career teaching in the Houston Independent School District, I earned my masters in administration from the University of Houston and my wife has family in Houston.”