Unprecedented changes, such as the previous remote-learning and hybrid school schedules, have made fundraising difficult for Nonnewaug High School’s class councils. Although this year’s fundraisers have not been as successful as in previous years, there are still many events in the works.

Fundraisers are crucial for each grade to defray the costs of events that many students look forward to before the end of their high school careers, including prom, senior day, and more.

“We had pie/cookie dough sales in November and are now working on our Fascia’s Chocolate Fundraiser. We did a little less in November due to cohorts and remote learners perhaps, but overall it was successful,” said NHS math teacher Kristen Pisano, co-advisor of the senior class council with NHS math teacher Laurenn Bertoglio. 

“Our money is going to be spent this year on any senior activities including our prom, which we are very excited to have this year,” she continued. “We already spent some on the ice cream truck and activities for Senior Field Day. We also purchased shirts and a gift over the holidays for seniors while they were fully remote.”

“Starting 3/22, we launch a new fundraiser through Charleston Wrap,” said art teacher Genna Riggi, advisor of the junior class council. 

Charleston Wrap’s spring fundraising program offers personalized gifts, home decor, gourmet chocolates, desserts and more. Riggi added, “it is fully online and we are really excited for it.”

“Like most other clubs, we’ve been behind on fundraising but have been working on ideas to implement soon,” said history teacher Kyle Brennan, advisor of the sophomore class council. “We soon will be launching an apparel store that will have items for the Class of 2023 and the entire school, so that will be a great start. We’re cooking up some ideas that we can do this spring or fall too… I think everyone knows how much I love cornhole, so don’t be surprised if you see a tournament at Nonnewaug when it’s safe to hold one.”

“We’re coordinating a bake sale with LaBonne’s [Market] and talking about possibly doing some charity work for the senior center,” said NHS science teacher Chris York, co-advisor for the freshman class council with English teacher and Jessica McKay.

Class council advisors urge the student body to get involved and take part in fundraising events.

“I definitely encourage our sophomores to get involved and be excited when we finally get to do things together,” said Brennan. “We’ve missed a lot of our opportunities to build pride in our class, but there will be a lot more to come — so when you see our apparel store go up or us plan some events, get together with some friends and make sure to take part.”

Student officers of the class councils also encourage student participation.

“I think everyone should get involved because it’s a great way to be able to choose activities for future events like prom and senior day,” said junior Charlie Stock, president of the junior class council. 

“Students can help at this point by paying class dues, but we always value participation too! Our meetings are generally on Thursday afternoons in Ms. Bertoglio’s room, and we can run a Google Meet if necessary,” added senior Ian Budrewicz, president of the senior class council. “More students should join because the more views we have on a particular issue, the faster we can accomplish things and the more encompassing our choices will be.”