Making a Difference

Prodell Middle School in Shoreham is thinking and acting both locally and globally. Motivated by the book, “A Long Walk to Water” by Linda Sue Park, the students were inspired to collect water for local food pantries and shelters during the month of March. With the efforts of the student council and direction of Principal Dr. Anthony, librarian Mrs. Kalin and Social Worker Ms. Monz, the students raised awareness throughout the building and succeeded in collecting almost two thousand water bottles. Student council members personalized cases of water and hundreds of individual bottles with messages of hope and joy, as donations poured in. Building upon local awareness, students have also been raising their global awareness through a recycling campaign, raising funds for the Water for South Sudan organization, which is dedicated to transforming lives through drilling wells.

Student Joelle I. shared, “Learning about Southern Sudan's challenges and the traumatic experiences many people face, made me think how lucky I am to have education, a healthy environment and the opportunity to feel safe. We had the opportunity to make a difference in Student Council.” Fellow council member Michael Morrell commented, "My participation through Student Council makes me feel like a great person, because I know when I am at a meeting or event, I am helping the community."