Carly Risom
Reporter
On Apr. 7, the annual Scholarship Sunday Drive was hosted at NCHS. The Drive, which is the one of the biggest fundraising events for the NCHS Scholarship Foundation, is supported by volunteers who go door-to-door asking for monetary donations from community members. On Sunday, groups students received maps of their local routes at NCHS, and then set off to walk or drive them.
The program is intended for any senior who is in need of extra money for their post-high school plans, “The NCHS Scholarship Foundation in wholly dedicated to helping NCHS graduates go to college, but the money goes to all kids in New Canaan who need money for college,” Principal Bryan Luizzi said.
Co-chair Lisa Isherwood emphasized how the drive creates an equal opportunity for all students. “The students receive this financial assistance based solely on need, so it is unique in that way as all applications are treated with anonymity,” she said.
The drive expected to raise a significant amount of money based on last year’s total. “Last year the Scholarship Drive raised $29,234.00 in one day, and the Foundation usually receives [money]from the Drive and mailed donations between $105,000.00 and $108,000.00 per year,” Ms. Isherwood said.
In terms of the participants, spring sports teams frequently come together to participate in Scholarship Sunday. This year, boys’ lacrosse had some of their players participate. “ If younger players hear that the varsity team is doing the drive, then they will do it too,” senior Griffin White said, a member of the varsity lacrosse team. “It’s nice to get a huge group like that together,” he said.
Sophomore Lily Baer also participated because of her athletic commitments, “I participated because my track coach is very persistent about going to help out,” she said. “This was my first year doing it, and I’m definitely going to participate next year, it was really fun.”
The value of the program is acknowledged by its participants. “I think that the Scholarship Drive is crucial because everyone in this town deserves a chance to go to their dream school, as well as move forward with their life and career,” sophomore Lexy Jones said.
According to Ms. Isherwood, the program strives to give students that extra boost to assist them in reaching their goals once they leave NCHS. “The Drive is a wonderful way for the student body to participate in something as a whole for their own benefit; it’s students helping themselves and each other achieve their dreams,” Ms. Isherwood said.
Not only does the program provide numerous benefits for students in need, it also provides a community service opportunity for the participants. Dr. Luizzi feels as though the Drive allows students to give back to their community. “It’s a way that we as a school community help each other and show the value we place in community service,” he said.
Participants also felt this sense of impact on their community. “Ringing the doorbell and talking to homeowners makes you feel amazing,” said Griffin. “I know I am doing something good for my town,” he said.
Lexy also acknowledged the importance of providing an equal college opportunity for all members of the community. “I think it’s really important to help raise money for the students that work hard to get into a great school,” she said. “Being unable to pay for the tuition shouldn’t be the reason that they can’t go to college, especially after putting in so much effort for all four years.”
As the volunteers returned to NCHS at the end of the day, the strength of service and community was manifested by the grand total of $30,567.00 that was raised. “It is not only a fun day, but it’s for a wonderful cause because it makes all who participate feel like they can make a difference in someone’s life,” Ms. Isherwood said.
