by Grace McCullagh

Students in club HOP are trying to make a difference. The club, advised by Ms. Caponegro, focuses on humanitarian service by spreading awareness about important global and local issues while raising funds to support those in need. Through events such as bagel and chocolate sales, the club raises money for different foundations and causes that help people in need. Meetings oftentimes are focused on planning for these fundraisers, as well as educating members on the different organizations they contribute to.

HOP chooses a topic or cause to spotlight for a duration of the year. Last year, the club focused greatly on helping an organization called Water for South Sudan, raising money for people in South Sudan who suffer from a lack of water for their day to day lives. Water for South Sudan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene to rural communities in South Sudan. Guided by a team of locally hired South Sudanese professionals, the organization drills and maintains wells, builds latrines, and teaches vital hygiene practices so that families don’t have to walk long distances for unsafe water and children can spend their time learning instead of fetching water. Club members work together to research and educate themselves on issues similar to this, and then educate others on the importance of helping these causes by raising money for them. Their fundraising efforts then go directly toward organizations that address those challenges, ensuring every dollar raised contributes to real solutions.

To support Water for South Sudan’s life-changing work, the HOP Club dedicated their time and energy to raising as much money as possible for the cause. Over several weeks, club members organized fundraisers to support the organization, including chocolate bar sales and bagel sales. All of the money raised went toward helping Water for South Sudan drill wells, provide clean water, and improve sanitation for communities in need. The fundraiser not only raised funds but also raised awareness about the importance of access to clean water, a basic resource that many people around the world still live without.

This upcoming year, the club plans to do similar things with other organizations. The club will soon choose a topic and organization to learn about and then begin to raise money to support the organization. Through their continued dedication and teamwork, the HOP Club proves that students can make a real impact, both within their school and around the world. Each fundraiser, meeting, and project helps build a deeper understanding of the challenges others face and the power of collective action to create change. As the club looks ahead to new opportunities and partnerships, their ongoing commitment to helping others serves as a reminder that even small efforts can lead to meaningful, lasting differences.