Photo Contributed by NCHS Weekly Update
Bella DeVito, Reporter
@BDeVitoCourant
On Monday, May 19, the NCHS community was brought together at Dunning Field for a school-wide picnic. While soaking up the sun, students enjoyed lunch provided by Food Services, live music from a student band, and entertainment of beloved teachers in the dunk tank. The picnic was an opportunity to connect with peers as the school year winds down. However, it wouldn’t be possible without the help of groups such as Student Advocates and Charity Link.
Rachel Hartong, one of the faculty advisors for Student Advocates, explains the role of the club. “The mission of Student Advocates is to contribute to a more positive school culture by working with peers in a variety of ways in order to support emotional and social growth and break down social barriers,” Ms. Hartong said. “Our goal is to increase school unity and pride, build individual student confidence and help create a respectful school environment in which all students feel connected, included and supported.”
Ms. Hartong also talks about Student Advocates’ contributions to the school picnic. “The Student Advocates met every other Tuesday leading up to the picnic to discuss planning needs,” Ms. Hartong says. “Additionally, all the faculty advisors of the clubs integral to the picnic, such as Student Advocates, StuCo, NCHS Buddies, Charity Link, the Mental Health Alliance and Mrs. Carriero met before school on a few occasions to coordinate plans, discuss needs, brainstorm ideas for activities and problem-solve any issues that arise.”
Charity Link president Adeliese Tauber talks about the club’s role in NCHS. “Charity Link is a charity-based club at NCHS that works to connect the New Canaan community with a variety of charity organizations through fundraisers like food drives, bake sales, raffles, and more,” Adeliese says. “We are a club consisting of individuals who want to give back to their community in any way they can, and are willing to put others’ needs before their own.”
In addition to giving back to the community, Charity Link helps out with the annual school picnic. “To prepare for the school-wide picnic, Charity Link organized its annual dunk tank,” Adeliese says. “We’ve been doing the dunk tank since before I was in the club, and it is a great tradition and a fun way to interact with peers and teachers.”
From the preparation to the actual event, the school-wide picnic unites students across grade levels and clubs for some fun in the sun. “The picnic gives us all a chance to take a moment to decompress from our daily stressors, connect with others and just have fun,” Ms. Hartong says.
