Five North Middlesex Regional High School students have demonstrated remarkable dedication and compassion by raising a significant amount of money to install an adaptive swing at Spaulding Memorial School. This act of kindness has not only made a positive impact on the Spaulding community but also showcases the power of student-led initiatives.
Empowering Communities through Student Action
Identifying the Need
The students, Elizabeth McNabb, Giuliana Angelucci, Sophia Giglio, Nora Donnelly, and Vivian Henry, recognized inclusivity as a crucial issue during their Civic Action Project. As part of this project, they delved deep into researching challenges within the community. They discovered that the Spaulding community would greatly benefit from an adaptive swing, aligning with the spirit of the Americans with Disabilities Act.This realization led them to take action and work towards making the playground more inclusive. As Giglio stated, "We chose this as a way to continue the work we all do in our school’s Best Buddies program. We are drawn to helping others with disabilities and when we became aware of the need in one of our own towns, we knew that this was a perfect project for us."The Solution and Fundraising
Their proposed solution was to install an adaptive swing that could assist children with mobility challenges, sensory integration issues, and other special needs. Swings play a vital role in helping students improve balance, spatial perception, and body control.To raise the necessary funds, the students organized events at school and set up a GoFund Me account. Through their efforts, they were able to raise $895 towards the purchase and installation of the swing. This significant amount was donated at the school on Friday, Nov. 8.As Spaulding Principal Kate Guzjieka emphasized, "These students showed genuine concern for others and are making our school community more accessible and inclusive. There are so many things they could be spending time and energy on, but they chose to work on this, and we are incredibly grateful."The students' commitment and selfless act have set an inspiring example for others, proving that even small actions can lead to great change. Their initiative has not only enhanced the physical accessibility of the Spaulding playground but also fostered a sense of community and empathy among the students.