Sparta HS Student Council Gives Back

The Sparta High School Student Council focused their energy on doing good deeds for the community this holiday season. Student Council aims to increase their presence in the community outside of Sparta High this year by giving back through various service projects. Advisors Tim Librizzi and Angela DeLuccia oversaw the events, but implementation was solely left up to the creativity of the student council members.

The freshman class, with assistance from class advisor, David DeCrescenzi, benefitted the Wounded Warrior Project. Freshman class President, Dennis Specht, said, “We raised money for Wounded Warrior Project, a charity that helps wounded and disabled veterans and their families.” The freshman branch contributed a monetary donation to WWP by putting envelopes in all the freshman homerooms. Through utilizing empathetic techniques, members were able to encourage their classmates to make a donation to those who have served for their country.

The sophomore class teamed up with Project Self-Sufficiency in their annual "Season of Hope" toy drive through a competition between schools in Sussex and Warren counties titled “Stuff the Stocking.”

The sophomore class set up boxes around the school requesting new, unwrapped toys and toiletries for those who need these items this holiday season. Monetary donations were also accepted. When asked how their service project will impact the way Spartans perceive the holiday season, Treasurer Brian Schoch explained, “It shows that we are strong when we come together to donate for families in need.”

Additionally, the student council is being asked to assist Project Self-Sufficiency at their “Season of Hope Toy Shop,” where mothers in need can pick up a toy for their child/children for the holidays. The sophomore officers coordinated their events with class advisor, Danielle Colte.

The junior class worked with Pass it Along to support Tilly’s Kids. Student Council received a substantial donation of various school supplies from Target and gratefully accepted them, knowing that they were all going to Tilly’s Kids.

For the duration of the entire lunch on December 3, 2015, everyone was invited to join Student Council and Pass it Along in assembling backpacks. Backpacks were filled with the school supplies, a Sparta t-shirt, and a note to each child. The event was supervised by junior class advisor, Dana Miller, and Pass It Along advisors, Catherine Wille and Catherine Reese.

The experience was a success for both Tilly’s Kids and Sparta Students alike. Brendan Puszcz, junior class president, raved that Pass It Along is, “an all around great non profit organization. Pass It Along excels at getting a lot done for those in need in an efficient manner; we would most definitely assist them in future service projects.”

The senior class chose to continue participating in Stuff the Bus. In its eighth year, the Stuff the Bus campaign fights against hunger in Sussex County. With four years of experience, senior class Treasurer, Jarod Sasdi, gives some pointers on how to motivate students and increase participation: “You need to run events that bring the school together – both fun and effective is key. Instead of aiming towards your specific class, approach towards the whole student body. Reaching the whole spectrum is the best way to go about it.”

With class advisor Shannon Hobby-Psensky, the committee brainstormed various ideas to make the campaign a success. On December 11, 2015, the senior class hosted a Student-Faculty basketball game. Admission was either four canned goods or $2; the game brought in an immense amount of canned goods and $450, which the seniors will utilize to purchase more items for the food bank.

The campaign continues until February, which ultimately allows the seniors to increase their efforts to give back. At a later January date, student council members will station themselves outside of the Sparta Stop & Shop to hand out a list of items the food drive is requesting in case shoppers would like to make a generous donation.

Overall, the Sparta High School Student Council is doing great things for society. The increased determination for working hard is evident and growing with every meeting; members work together for the betterment of Sparta High and the community. Student Council representatives are willing to work with other clubs for similar purposes, and are always open to new members and ideas.

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