charge taking

Sophomore Olivia Bueno outlined fun shapes and animals for the fourth graders to color at the Charitable Arts club field trip on Nov. 6. The group traveled to CARE Elementary School located in the city of Overtown.

“The kids asked me to make some dragons for them to color in, and they were telling me about their school and how their math class was going. I think art was a common interest through which we could connect, serving as an ice breaker when we first met them. By the end of the trip, the children were asking us for advice on school and friends, which showed how comfortable they became with us,” Bueno said.

Aside from painting, club members also created craft projects with the students. At first, some members felt that the trip would benefit the younger students, not realizing the impact it would have on them as well.

“This trip benefited the kids at CARE by giving them a perspective on high school students and how we are, but it was also a nice break for me. It honestly made my day to be able to spend time with those kids,” sophomore Mia Bella Serralto said.

The trip allowed students to focus on their creativity, rather than their academics for the day, and to spread their artistic talents.

“It is a wonderful opportunity for the students in the club to get to take a break from their classes to spend time with younger kids and to use their imagination to create something beautiful,” Charitable Arts club sponsor Michelle Diaz said.

Story by Ariella Zecchini

Being a club officer is hard work, but for Sophia Andrade, it is all worth it.

Senior officer Sofia Andrade took a leading position in the Charitable Arts club, which she has volunteered for since freshman year. The fieldtrip was an important one for Andrade, as it was the first one she led by playing a “teacher role,” and it was the first in-person club activity in the past two years.

“Even though the last two years we have had been able to host donation drives, being able to give our actual time to these students in person is very memorable and makes a big difference,” Andrade said.

As a club officer, Andrade hoped to spread her love of art to younger children. She enjoyed working with children who love art as much as she does.

“Being exposed to the arts early on formed my love for the subject, and I wish the same for the elementary school students that find the same happiness and freedom while painting with us. The kids at CARE had tons of fun, feeling like real artists painting on canvases, instead of just on paper,” Andrade said.