PHS Chorus entertains all residents of the Chestnut Hill Nursing Home.
By Teresa Luis
The purpose and mission of the Octagon Club is to help connect PHS students with the community, as well as giving students a sense of what it feels like to work hard and give back to the community. Recently the young optimists spread cheer and love by visiting the senior citizens of Chestnut Hill Nursing Home. Singing, bringing tasty treats, and just sitting and talking with the senior community, means a lot to the seniors, as well as the students.
To spread cheer and hope, members of the Octagon Club visit the “Chestnut Kids,” needy youth in the community. This Halloween they made arts and crafts with the kids, and then at Christmas, they brought presents and spread Christmas cheer.
“I think the students get as much out of playing with the kids, as the children get having some big kids to play with,” said Mr. Sheridan, club advisor.
Passaic Mayor Blanco greets Santa at the nursing home Christmas party.
The club raises money to perform these deeds of kindness in the community by selling fundraising cookies (not in school) and by selling goodies at the concession stand at home games. So, by performing a service to the school they raise money to help perform service to the community.
The Octagon Club is advised by Mr. Sheridan and Mrs. Nieves. They keep the club running smoothly and help young optimists achieve their goals. The executive board was recently elected, Jamnesh Rana is president, Mitul Aswala is vice president, Arleth Cespedes is secretary, and Arnold Hernandez is the treasurer. Johana Amigon &
Teresa Luis are the public relations coordinators and club historians this year.
With the temperature being so cold right now, the do-gooders of the Octagon Club are sponsoring a winter clothing drive. Please help this worthwhile cause by donating new or gently used winter clothing, such as coats, hats, scarves, gloves, etc., and get ten centrals removed. It is not often when students get the opportunity to do something that makes them feel good and also get out of serving ten central detentions. This is a win/win activity for everyone involved.
So, bring in your warm clothing to Mr. Sheridan’s room, and get credit for ten centrals.
This year has promise to be a great year for the Octagon Club. Everyone is always welcome to join in the fun meetings, which meet in the cafeteria, section E. Just listen for announcements to find out when the next meeting is being held. Students will never have some much fun doing something so worthwhile.
