Let’s be frank. When it comes to young people today, many are seen as lazy or entitled or described in even less flattering terms.
However, it would be difficult to say that about the students of Southampton High School (SHS). The class body seems to be on a major roll helping those in need in a variety of capacities.
Students at SHS have answered the call to assist those right here at home or around the globe. The community-at-large finds their actions heartwarming, unselfish and mature.
For instance, the annual Trooper Hill Toy Drive is a favorite, and this time around, students raised about $3,000 for the local charity by holding a “Black and White Ball.” The funds also came from the school’s student clubs. The money will go toward the purchase of holiday toys for area children.
The high school’s Student Government Association (SGA) sponsored the event, and SGA’s Melissa Edwards says the organization was proud to be a part of the endeavor because the funds raised from the Trooper Hill Toy Drive benefits a lot of children during the holiday season. SHS feels fortunate, Melissa says, and they merely want to give back to the community.
Those students who were able to collect the most funds from each student club received special titles and recognition. For example, Chris Vincent and Nicole Reedy were named the Snow King and Snow Queen of the event, and Meagan Tillett won the title of Winter Charity Queen for her fundraising efforts in the Science Club.
Putting smiles on someone’s face, especially when it is that of a child’s, makes it that more special, according to Melissa. She was thrilled that the student body collaborated on such a successful campaign.
The fundraising wasn’t over, however, and SHS kicked into gear for its school-wide food drive called the Thanksgiving Food Drive. The SHS student body works together with the Key Club to create a contest that collects non-perishable items for a local food bank.
A race is set up between first block classes to gather the most cans and boxes of food.
Dr. Dinh’s dual-credit biology class was crowned the winner after collecting more than 200 items.
As a whole, the SHS student body and staff outdid themselves by pulling in 1,100 items for the food bank.
The SHS Tri-Hi-Y Club will also do their part by using their amazing vocals and singing carols to the residents of the Courtland Healthcare Center. In addition, the club will adopt a family from Courtland and put on a feast for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. The children of the family will be gifted with clothing and toys.
Meantime, the SHS cafeteria staff will conduct its annual collection of food, clothing, toys and toiletries for the family.
The SHS Key Club will also plan another annual event called the Tree of Warmth. Every year, the school club successfully collects more than 100 coats to keep local families warm and cozy during the cold winter months ahead.
That’s not all for the Key Club. Various members will also hold a Holiday Bingo event at the Village at Woods Edge and a Holiday Luncheon to thank high school teachers and staff. The club will be present and assist during the Franklin Junior Women’s Club during Breakfast with Santa.
The SHS Culinary Arts class has once again made a gorgeous gingerbread beauty. This time it’s modeled after the famous German Neuschwanstein Castle. The castle was donated to the Franklin/Southampton Chapter of Habitat for Humanity for its charity auction.
Congratulations, Southampton High School, you’re a true leader in community service.
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