By Kate Hill
Staff Writer
This spring, the Cazenovia High School senior class conducted a book drive to benefit Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital in Syracuse.
The drive was a joint effort of the six senior class homerooms and Trisha Moesch and Nicole Littlepage—the senior class advisors.
The idea came from a parent, who noted that a book drive would not only provide students with an opportunity to give back to the community, but it would also serve as an important reminder that good health should not be taken for granted.
To promote the multi-week event, the CHS Communications Club created a video that aired on the morning announcements.
On Friday, April 5, Moesch and Littlepage accompanied students Courtney Holt, Jake Marconi, Chris Hale and Laura Clement to deliver the donated books to Golisano representative Jenny Dickinson.
“I thought it was amazing to be given the opportunity to help out these kids going through a difficult time in their lives,” Marconi said. “This shows what Caz is really about. I loved being able to help and I couldn’t have asked for a better [class] to make this happen.”
While at the hospital, the students learned about the ways in which their donations would be put to use.
According to Littlepage, the Golisano librarian pushes a cart of books around the hospital, allowing the pediatric patients to select titles to enjoy and bring home. Any additional books are distributed to families in need.
CHS Principal Molly Hagan expressed her admiration for the senior class and the success of its endeavor.
“I am impressed with this group’s intentional thought of others and their initiative to put together the book drive to support those in need,” she said. “I am proud of the seniors for planning this drive, the students and staff for bringing in books and for our community’s continued support. The fact that Cazenovia HS students are putting kindness into action is awesome!”
Golisano Children’s Hospital is part of SUNY Upstate Medical University. The facility offers a complete range of health care services for children in the Central New York region from birth to 19 years of age.
To learn about more ways to give to Upstate Golisano, visit upstate.edu/gch/about/ways-to-give.php.
