Since their sophomore year, this year’s senior class, the Class of 2010, was determined to raise adequate funds for a trip at the end of the senior year. During the course of the past two years, they sold snacks, pizza and baked goods. Last year they organized a successful battle of the bands, this year they sold wreaths at Christmas time.

Most often, the senior class goes on a trip together, partially to do some community service but  primarily to be together before they go off on their separate life adventures after graduation.

This year’s seniors discussed going to California, Florida, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, or Martha’s Vineyard.
Mid-winter, when it came time to actually make a decision at a class meeting, a thought was aired that quieted the room, “I wish we could donate our money to Haiti.” It did not take much for the entire class to realize that the money that they raised (over $4,000) could be used to help others. They would forego plans for the trip.

A discussion began about where they would give their money. Some seniors felt that while it was important  to support an area of immediate need, other on-going projects, such as their sister school, Goderich Waldorf School in Freetown, Sierra Leone, should not be forgotten.

In the end, they decided to give a portion of their money to Goderich, to support its medical fund and building fund. They also chose to donate to Partners in Health, a locally based organization which was well established in Haiti before the earthquake. Earlier in the school year, Dave Schulman (class of 2004) returned to school to speak to students about his work with Partners in Health, and one of the seniors was inspired by Tracey Kidders’ book, Mountains Beyond Mountains.

The seniors kept a small portion of funds to go to dinner together and to spend a day at Six Flags (where they were rained upon!), as well as for a class gift to the school.

Class advisor and history teacher, Ellie Delaney, was proud of the decision that the class made, but not surprised. “By and large, this class is passionate about world issues. They are concerned about what we do to enhance others’ lives in the world, especially those who struggle with not having enough health care and education. In History class and in Model UN discussions, we would often talk about the responsibility that we, as Americans, have to help those in need.” Ms Delaney said, “It gives me hope to see their inspiration and how they took the opportunity to have a positive impact even in a small way.”