Old Colony Archives
Old Colony students win national award
By Laura McLean, Standard-Times correspondent
December 18, 1998
ROCHESTER -- "Share a Little Warmth," the theme of a community service project, has brought the Honor Society at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School national attention.
Several National Honor Society members traveled to St. Louis recently to receive one of 10 national awards for outstanding community service during the fifth annual National Honor Society Conference. Marc Miller, treasurer of Old Colony's chapter of the National Honor Society, received the award on behalf of the school's chapter. The award was in recognition of a community service project called "Share a Little Warmth" or "Soup and Socks."
"The goal of this project was to provide people in need with something to keep them warm during the winter months," said Christine C. Watling, chapter adviser and library media specialist at Old Colony. "Even more important than that is to let people know they are thought of throughout the year, not just at the holiday season."
"Helping kids serve others and give back to their community has always been a priority for the National Honor Society," said Rocco Marano, director of student activities of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). "It's inspiring to see the energy, creativity and commitment these students share with those around them."
"These young leaders are an inspiration to us all" concurred Dr. Thomas Koerner, NASSP executive director. "Despite heavy responsibilities in school and hectic schedules, they are willing to work hard to make their community a better place to live."
Each of the entries were judged on originality, level of student and community involvement and success in achieving project goals. The "Share a Little Warmth" project aided the Greater New Bedford Community Health Center families. Local businesses, students and faculty members helped by donating items and money.
Honor Society members from across the country participated in the national conference. During the three-day meeting, delegates discussed such issues as community service, team leadership, decision making, technology in schools and scholarships.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals is the largest leadership organization in the United States, representing more than 40,000 middle level and high school principals and assistant principals, 58,000 student activity advisers and more than 1.5 million students.
This is the second time that Old Colony has received a national Outstanding Service Project Award. In 1994, the Old Colony chapter was recognized for a book drive they conducted to help establish a library at New Bedford's Parker Elementary School.
Their community work continues with the approach of Christmas in the form of a toy drive. Having teamed up with the members of the Old Colony Student Council, the Honor Society members are hoping to distribute toys to several organizations. The school vocational shops are competing to collect the most quarters to purchase toys. The winning shop will be rewarded, according to Mrs. Watling. Anyone wanting to contribute new toys can call Mrs. Watling at the school at 763-8011, ext. 120.
Photo by Laura McLean
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School students decorate the
school's Christmas tree with decorations made by each of the school's shops.
Standing are, from left: Daniel Hoeg, David Santos, Joshua Daniel, Marc Miller
and Laura Bouchard. Kneeling are Cynthia Lawrence, Kelly Beard and Lisa
Merithew.