Mooney senior collects coloring supplies for those in need

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Neighbors | Submitted.Cardinal Mooney Senior Nick Blasko collected nearly $3,000 in coloring supplies for charity.

While some high school seniors take it easy on the way to graduation, Cardinal Mooney High School senior Nick Blasko has channeled his energies into making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.

This January, Blasko independently developed Operation Color as a way to gather donations for local organizations. Inspired by his travels with his CMHS Service Class and the school’s tradition of community improvement, Blasko has collected nearly $3,000 in coloring supplies for donation to Akron Children’s Hospital and the Purple Cat workshop for adults with special needs. To accomplish this, he set up donation sites at several local businesses and neighborhoods collecting enough art supplies to keep the residents and patients he seeks to serve busy for many hours.

Blasko developed Operation Color for five reasons: coloring promotes coordination, it’s a creative outlet, it helps you relax, it boosts self esteem and it’s all around fun.

In addition to his work here, Blasko is a two time letter winner in swimming and soccer, he is president of the exclusive CMHS Hospitality Team, he emcees Mooney spirit rallies and this year won the prestigious Victor Milonas Award for boys soccer. This award goes annually to the player that has demonstrated all of the qualities that Mooney Soccer stands for on and off the field.

Blasko is also currently lobbying the Guinness World Record Organization for approval to gather the extended Mooney family in an effort to break the record for most shirts folded by the most people in one minute (the current record stands at 1,000). Blasko then hopes to donate the shirts to local charity organizations such as the Beatitude House.

Blasko hopes to continue his studies and service at the Ohio State University this fall.