Annual Scholarship Drive Takes Place this Sunday

Lily Kazemi and Ilene Anders
Reporters

The NCHS Scholarship Foundation will kick off the annual Scholarship Drive on Sunday, Apr. 3 from 12-1. The drive’s purpose is to provide financial aid for the higher education of students, and consists of student volunteers who will go door-to-door throughout town, asking for donations. These donations will make up grants, which will be given to the students and, according to event co-chairman Francesca Lacerenza, usually range from $500 to $7500 per person.

On Sunday, all student volunteers will meet in the cafeteria to find out their assigned route, and to pick up packets and door hangers so that anyone who isn’t home at the time can still send in a donation.

Sophomore Tim Casavant said preparing for the drive is simple: all you have to do is show up. “You can bring some of your own friends and go out as a group,” he said. “This is part of the reason kids enjoy the drive so much; you get to walk or drive around town with a group of friends, doing something good for the community.” Moms on the committee will be in the cafeteria from Tuesday, Mar. 29 to Friday, Apr. 1 so that students who aren’t already signed up to participate will have the chance to.

The scholarships cover four years of education, with the first two years are full grants, and the last two years are half-grant, half-loan, without interest. According to Ms. Lacerenza, there are certain attributes that affect the size of the grant that is received.

Free Application for Federal Student AID (FAFSA) forms, as well as College Scholarship Service (CSS) forms need to be filled out by parents, explaining the annual income of the household. “These are need-based scholarships, not merit, so if a student needs to go to a school and can’t afford it, they qualify,” Ms. Lacerenza said. “ We also look at whether or not they qualify for other grants.”

Ms. Lacerenza also said the Scholarship Drive is something that is planned all year, but it’s not the only time the foundation receives donations. A lot of donations also come from businesses and companies located in town. “Though [the drive]is usually at the end of March or the beginning of April, residents can donate any time throughout the year, and we ask lots of community groups like the Young Women’s League to help out,” she said. “We fill out different grant forms then write letters to every home and business in New Canaan that go out during January and February.”

Tim said this year’s drive will have a similar set up. “We hope to have the same success in raising money that we have in the past,” he said. “We usually raise a lot of money and are able to help all sorts of local kids with their college tuitions.”

The past year’s drive alone raised over $20,000. This, combined with the money raised through other donations, was added to a grand total of $188,000, and the average grant came out to around $2,848 per person, as stated by the Scholarship Foundation’s annual report.

Principal Tony Pavia, who is also a co-chairman of the event, said the most rewarding part of the Scholarship Drive is knowing students are able to achieve goals they otherwise would have been unable to meet. “Every year we get letters from students telling us how thankful they are and how important the scholarship was in their lives,” he said. “Students go on to do great things with our help, and it’s really one of my most fulfilling and satisfying duties at the high school.” Mr. Pavia added that past recipients have gone on to universities such as Syracuse University, New York University and Northwestern University.

An assembly will be held on Friday, Apr. 1, in order to catch the interest of students. According to Ms. Lacerenza, it’s almost like a pep rally to inspire more kids to participate. “In past years we have had very cool, funny videos that get tons of participants to come to the drive,” Tim said. “It’s always a hit assembly, and should be a great time as usual.” This year’s video will be directed by senior Nicola Scandiffio, and stars seniors Stewart Taylor and Chris Freeman.

Junior Dylan Kavookjian said the assembly is always a mixture of inspiration and information. “The entire process of the drive will be explained to the students, however at the same time, the school and the drive’s coordinators are attempting to appeal to the students and gather large scale support,” he said.

According to Administrative Director Therese Chaisson, the Scholarship Drive is so important because it helps students who truly need it, and she encourages as many students as possible to participate. “People love being on this committee, as it’s a very rewarding job, and it’s a great feeling being able to give money away,” she said. “Everyone feels that New Canaan is such an affluent town but that’s not always true nowadays. People are getting laid off and are struggling financially.”

A Think Inspiration Media, NCHS Music Tech. and NCTV Production

Directed by Nicola Scandiffio
Production Manager – Nick Howard
Song Produced by Nick Zanca
Lyrics by Stewart Taylor and Tony Pavia

Starring:
Stewart Taylor
Ryyan “Hova” Taylor
Nick Zanca
Portia Schultz
Chris Freeman

Including:
Stefanie Decker
Fanise SoLjour
Katayoun Amir-Aslani
Phil Taratko
Keri DeTullio

Featuring:
Attila Levai
Richard Webb
Michelle Luhtala
Anna Mase
Christine Bonarrigo
Tony Pavia
Elaine Faltibenne