43
Students pop for new popcorn machine
Photo
Neighbors | Abby Slanker.Poland Seminary High School seniors Emily Lyons, Matt Slaven, Emily Shields, Mark Cooper, Alexa Ciccone, Alex Ankerman and Jamie Bakalar spearheaded a school-wide fundraiser to buy a new popcorn machine for the school’s special education class, which included, Shawn, Ronald, Chris, Abraham, Kenny, Jessica and Larry.
By ABBY SLANKER
Poland Seminary High School students recently came together in a selfless act of kindness to help a group of their fellow students in the special education class.
The special education class’s popcorn machine, from which the students sell popcorn every other Friday to raise money for field trips, suddenly broke.
Several high school students organized a school-wide donation collection during the school’s lunch periods. Seniors Jamie Bakalar, Alexa Ciccone, Mark Cooper, Senior Class President Alex Ankerman, Student Council President Emily Shields, Matt Slaven and Emily Lyons spearheaded the initiative.
“I have a soft spot for these students. They needed help and we jumped at the chance to help them. For everything they do for us, we thought it was the best way to show our appreciation,” Ankerman said.
Over the course of a week, the high school students raised more than $500, which bought a new, bigger machine and with the money left over, popcorn supplies were purchased.
“We would like to commend the whole student body. It was heartwarming to see all the students want to help. It created a bond between the students. Our student body was unbelievably supportive and it was amazing how fast we raised the money,” Ankerman said.
“It was really great to see the support we got from the entire student body,” Shields said.
For the special education students, the popcorn sales are more than just about raising money. It is also about socialization, as each student has a job, such as making the popcorn and collecting the money.
“The popcorn sales offer the special education students a chance to practice their people skills. They love being part of the group and their popcorn sales allow them to be just that,” Ankerman said.
According to Ankerman, the first Friday after the special education students received their new machine, they offered their fellow students free popcorn to show their appreciation.
“It was great to see it come full circle with them giving the popcorn away for free that first Friday. They made signs thanking us. They were very appreciative. It was just overwhelming,” Ankerman said.
Kevin Snyder, Poland Seminary High School principal, was proud of the entire student body.
“These students took on this fundraiser on their own initiative. It is amazing to see them be so selfless and do something so great for someone else. They are all really amazing kids,” said Snyder.
Ankerman also acknowledged Snyder’s help in the entire endeavor.
“We could not have done this project without Mr. Snyder. He was instrumental in making it happen,” Ankerman said.