Volunteers play vital role in success of schools' programs
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By James Quatromoni Hull High Community Outreach Coordinator
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” – Aesop
In the coming months, and possibly years, our schools will be facing challenging financial times. Every aspect of the school system will be reviewed and analyzed, and difficult decisions will be made in this regard.
It will be in these times that the contributions and volunteer efforts of our community, students, alumni, teachers, and other charitable individuals will be magnified. The efforts of these groups and individuals will be vital in preserving a positive atmosphere for the students in our district.
In this week’s article, I would like to let you know about some of the efforts of several selfless individuals and organizations. These individuals work tirelessly on behalf of our schools and our athletic department. Compensation does not come in dollars. Instead, it comes in the satisfaction generated from appreciating the improved experience of each of our students and student-athletes. Space will prevent me from recognizing every effort. But let it be known that the charitable and volunteer efforts woven into the high school operations are vital to our school’s atmosphere and our students’ experience.
The courtyard
For years, the Hull High School courtyard had been in various states of disrepair. In May 2006, senior Bobby Striglio decided to do something about it. To complete his Eagle Scout project, Striglio tackled the challenge.
Striglio galvanized the volunteer efforts of teachers, administration, local business, and students. He spent more than 40 hours planning the project. Blaise Leeber, Melissa Striglio, James King, Casey Leeber, Emily Carroll, Mark Walsh, Mary Wilkinson, Amy Walsh, Chris Jones, Nicole Bradford, and Bobby addressed the courtyard cleanup as a starting point.
With the assistance of PTO Volunteers Chris Kinnally, Ann Marie Dunn and Sharon Striglio, Bobby was able to secure a $5,000 grant and a deep discount for the materials required for the project through Lowe’s Home Improvement in Weymouth.
Mr. Bob Striglio and custodian Frank Campbell assisted the group in preparing the grounds for the planting of more than 130 trees and plants. Hull High School design technology instructor Bryan Conklin helped to design and build benches and picnic tables for the area.
Today, through the 700+ hours of work from 42 volunteers, the high school has courtyard that is a source of pride. Student and faculty functions are planned for this area. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is being coordinated for this spring.
The Stilphens Gary and Giselle Stilphen are two civic-minded local businesspeople. The Stilphens own and operate Stilphen Enterprises, a Hull-based construction company.
During the fall season, the high school field can be a cold, lonely place for a scorekeeper. Wind whips across the open space, often driving snow, rain, or sand with it. The Boosters Club put a call out to local business to fund materials to build an enclosure for our scorekeepers. Stilphen Construction answered that call. The company donated materials that were assembled by Mr. Conklin’s design tech class. This spring season, the enclosure will be in operation.
The Stilphens didn’t stop there. After entering a Reebok raffle, Hull High won two free sets of reversible uniforms. Stilphen Construction has agreed to pay for all screen-printing on these uniforms.
This type of relationship between schools and local business is absolutely invaluable. I will be making every effort to get out in the community and meet business owners and operators. Any contribution, whether in dollars or hours, is valued and appreciated. In the end, it enhances the experience of the Hull student. Please contact me directly if you have an idea or interest in some type of partnership with the high school or school district. Truly, there is no such thing as too small a contribution or effort.
Hull High hockey alumni fundraiser
As the ice hockey season comes to its conclusion, another passionate group of volunteers have assembled. The Hull High Hockey Alumni Network has begun work on a May golf outing at the South Shore Country Club. Pat Henderson [’91] and Tom Reilly [’94] are spearheading this effort. Pat will work on this project from his Connecticut residence. That is passion! Tom is another local businessman giving back, as a Hull graduate and owner of Reilly Renovators.
The efforts of this group will assist in raising money for scholarships, the hockey program, and to develop a Hull Youth Hockey Program. We feel that these efforts will be vital in helping the hard-working student-athletes who participate in this program achieve at a higher level. If you are interested in helping, contact the group directly at hullhockeyalum@hotmail.com.
The Berger Report As I stated, there are countless giving people I should mention. The Boosters lead the way. Our nine volunteer coaches who help with many of our varsity and subvarsity teams are instrumental in player development and team successes. But I will conclude with a man who hands over impressive amounts of time to our athletic department. His name is Brad Berger.
Brad is a statistician. Brad is the statistician. He has been a valued part of the boys’ basketball program for the last few years. This school year, he began keeping stats for the football team.
He attends each and every game with pencil in hand. At the conclusion of each contest, Brad produces detailed excel sheets, documenting the night’s events – and carefully totaling them for a season.
The tool that he provides each coach, in providing this information, is so valuable in developing both a team and individual players. His “Berger Reports,” as we call them, have become legendary to both the coaching staffs and student-athletes within our athletic department. His efforts clearly enhance the experience of each member of the teams he volunteers to assist.
We appreciate the efforts and support of all who help shape the high school atmosphere. These efforts are also noticed by the watchful eyes of students and set an example and precedent that our young people will uphold for our community.
Donating time, dollars, efforts, or ideas is an honorable act. There is always a way that individuals or groups can help improve the experience of our students. In the coming months, financial woes may enhance the need for goodwill from our community. When a need has presented itself, Hull, as a community, has always responded to a “call to arms.”
Today, so many do so much good. We are hopeful that as our horizon reveals itself, so many more will join the cause.
We appreciate your support. |
