Senior Project Award

John Deluca

Effect of Theatre on Youth

Our next award recipient is someone who truly wanted to share their passion with younger students. Realizing that not all students have access to the same educational opportunities and experience, John DeLuca decided that he wanted to devote his time to sharing his love of theater with students at the Grenville Baker Boys and Girls Club and teach them various techniques through games and activities. When asked on his project proposal about why this project matters, his response was “It matters because every kid deserves to have access to try new things.” Working with 24 first and second-graders may have tired John out, but he accepted the challenge and learned a lot from it. I had the privilege of being his advisor and when checking in for advisory the Monday after his experience with these students, he looked at me and said “I don’t know how you teachers do it!” John got just as much out of this experience as the students did and presented his project eloquently to the community. A standing ovation for you, John! Bravo!

LAURA CASTRONOVA, MOLLY SULLIVAN, CHRISSY MAVRAKIS

Learn to Skate

This next project was completed by a group of seniors that also wanted to share their skills and talents with younger students. While many projects may have taken a different shape than what was originally proposed, this project proposal stayed true throughout. Laura Castronova, Molly Sullivan, and Chrissy Mavrakis wanted to take their love of hockey and their skating skills and hold a clinic for younger female players. These three reflected on their past experiences as young hockey players and recognized that they did not have much opportunity to learn from older female players. This reflection inspired them to hold clinics for young players, teaching them drills, and inspiring them to reach their fullest potential. As a result of teaching others, they learned a lot about themselves as players and as future leaders. There is no doubt that the experience they created left a lasting impression on these future hockey stars. Well done to you all!