News Archive
Click here for the November 2020 Newsletter
October 2021 - Class Recycling Competition
The PSL classes competed against one another to see who could bring in the most aluminum cans between October 11 and 25. In addition to helping the environment, this project also helped the Green Team earn rewards to expand our district's recycling program. Furthermore, students had the opportunity to win Chipotle gift cards, PSL merch, and other prizes.
February 2021 - IGA Shopping Spree
In February 2021, PSL students will be sold tickets for a chance to win a shopping spree at Rideout's IGA. Proceeds from the fundraiser supported PSL programs, the United Way Club and SADD.
December 2020 - Holiday Food Drive
In spite of the COVID pandemic, the 2020 Holiday Food Drive was an incredible success. Students collected 4,576lbs of food and raised $764 in cash donations for The Perry Center. Students also generated $2,716 for the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign.
December 2020 - Shantytown
Nearly 20 students participated in "Sorry, We're Closed," our 2020 Shantytown event that focused on the COVID pandemic. Participants engaged in Zoom conversation with Lutheran Metropolitan Ministries, and help construct a picnic table and three garden planters for their clients' outdoor area.
November 2020 - Toy Drive
Tessa Moats '21 collaborated with the Perry Public Library to collect new toys that will be distributed to families via The Perry Center. She collected donations at the library, in the PSL classroom, and at PHS, and was able to help ensure many families had a happy holiday season.
October 2020 - Youth Save Halloween
PSL students teamed up with Art Club, SADD, and the United Way Club to make treat bags and pumpkins for essential workers in our community in appreciation for the extra duties they did during the pandemic. Over 20 students prepared 30 pumpkins and 360 treat bags to share with the custodial, food service, transportation, and teaching staff at Perry Local Schools. Students also made deliveries to local police and fire departments, as well as government offices.
September 2020 - Grand River Clean Up
The PSL Class of 2021 discovered the perfect social distancing service activity... a Grand River clean-up on kayaks! Student volunteers pulled six (6) bags of trash from the river banks while enjoying a sunny afternoon.
September 2020 - International Day of Charity
The PSL class of 2021 celebrated the International Day of Charity by serving Perry Recreation, Thriving Threads, Pirate Power Packs, the American Legion, the PSL Giving Garden, the PSL Green Team, and Lake Metroparks. Altogether, they invested over 100 hours of service in our community.
February 2020 - Foul Out Diabetes
PSL students Emily Neuhofs '20, Emily Chaplin '20, and Nate Cubbison '20 hosted Foul Out Diabetes 2020 at the boys' varsity basketball game on Saturday, February 15th. Profits from shirt sales, a 50/50 raffle, and a three point shoot out supported the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
February 2020 - Night to Shine
Night to Shine was an unforgettable prom night experience for people with special needs ages 14 and older. PSL volunteers supported this event, which was hosted by Cornerstone Friends Church in Madison, by serving as buddies and ensuring their honored guests had a fabulous evening.
November 2019 - Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage
Students from PSL's Honors Seminar participated in the Maltz Museum’s Stop the Hate tour, where they engaged in conversations about oppression, and met with Holocaust survivor Roman Frayman. This experience provided resources for our student leaders who are advocates and upstanders in our community. This tour complements the museum’s scholarship contest, in which students share actions they have taken against bias experienced in their own lives for a chance to win scholarship money for themselves and their schools.
October 2019 - PSL and CWRU Co-Host NEO Youth Summit on Service Learning and Social Justice
The inaugural Northeast Ohio Youth Summit will took place on Tuesday, October 22nd at Case Western Reserve University. Co-hosted by the Perry Service Learning program and CWRU's Social Justice Insitute, the event was open to high school students and teachers with a passion for service and a commitment to social justice. This workshop connected student leaders, educators, and nonprofit representatives who seek to provide students with authentic opportunities to change lives and address the root causes of oppression. By the end of the day, participants learned new perspectives that inspired service initiatives in their school and community in an effort to create a just world.
October 2019 - Power Pack Program Recognized by News 5 Cleveland
The Pirate Power Pack Program, led by volunteers Ella Fearing '20, Alex Perez '20, and Katie Pietrzak '20, was recognized by News 5 Cleveland for their efforts to address childhood hunger. See the video and read the full story HERE.
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October 2019 - Poverty Simulation at Wickliffe High School
Honors PSL students traveled to Wickliffe High School on October 4th to participate in a poverty simulation. The event was facilitated by the Nonprofit and Public Service Center at Lakeland Community College and hosted by Wickliffe High School's Learn Lead Serve staff members and students. The immersive learning experience was designed to help participants understand the realities of people in extreme poverty, while also learning about the resources that exist in our communities.
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September 2019 - Shantytown
Shantytown 2020 featured a screening of Inside Akron's Tent City, directed by Kevin Naughton, a graduate of the PHS class of 2005. Shot on an iPhone for less than $1,000, the film documents a local homeless community's attempt to self-organize and the Akron city government's efforts to displace them. Following the film there was a question and answer session with Kevin and special guests Sage Lewis and Loren Naji, two local homeless advocates.
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September 2019 - Fun at the Fall Festival
PSL volunteers joined leaders from Perry Rec, Perry Township, Perry Village, and North Perry Village to make this year's Fall Festival a success. Volunteers supported the event by supervising kids' activities, managing the parking lot, and even hosting a few games. We are grateful to Mike Smith, the director of Perry Rec, for including our students in this community event.
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May 2019 - Remembering our Veterans
PSL students worked with members of the American Legion to place 1000+ flags at the gravestones of our servicemen and servicewomen at the Perry Cemetery. In addition to remembering those who served our country, we also recognized current PSL students who are enlisted in the Air Force, Army, Marines, and Navy.
February 2019 - PSL Hosts Service Learning Roundtable at the Cleveland Foodbank
PSL instructors partnered with North Olmsted's S.I.T.E.S. program and Wickliffe's Lead, & Serve Program to host a Service Learning Round Table at the Cleveland Foodbank on February 14th. This event brought together educators from over one dozen Northeast Ohio schools who seek to provide students with authentic opportunities to meet unmet needs in their community through service. PSL students Rhiannon Lupton '19 and Ben Pearce '19 served as keynote speakers, sharing their experiences serving our community.
February 2019 - A Walk Down Memory Lane
PSL students visited The Madison Senior Center and The Lantern to interview residents and create memory books for them. Research suggests that elders who participate in intergenerational interviews experience improved self-esteem and reduced anxiety. Moreover, students who do the interviews report improved academic performance and changed attitudes about aging.
January 2019 - Students Award $2,000 to Local Non-Profits
Through their efforts with Magnified Giving , PSL students awarded $2,000 to area non-profits, including Project Hope for the Homeless, the Lake County Free Clinic, and Clothe-A-Child . Special thanks to Student Philanthropy Director Olivia Kline '19 and all of the PSL students who participated in site visits for making this event possible.
January 2019 - Experiencing Poverty's Struggles
Honors PSL students traveled to Wickliffe High School on January 11th to participate in a poverty simulation. The event was hosted by Dione DeMitro, the Director for Nonprofit and Public Service Center at Lakeland Community College. The immersive learning experience was designed to help participants understand the realities of people in extreme poverty.
November/December 2018 - Holiday Food Drive A Success!
PSL students from the Class of 2019 collaborated with the Perry Center for our community's annual Holiday Food Drive. Students hosted a food drive at PHS in early December to collect items for the Pirate Power Pack Program and the Perry Center. Students also supported the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign outside of Rideout's IGA. Their efforts allowed us to share more than 4,000 pounds of food and $1,000 with the Perry Center.
October 2018 - The Great Costume Bash is a Spooky Success
PSL students collaborated with the Thriving Threads Clothing Room, Perry Rec, and the Perry Public Library to host The Great Costume Bash, a night of free costume shopping, Halloween-themed crafts, and cookie decorating. The event was held on Tuesday, October 23rd in Manchester West and helped nearly 30 kids in our community find a like-new Halloween costume and have a ghoulishly good time!
October 2018 - Shantytown 2018 Focuses on Natural Disasters and Homelessness
Shantytown 2018 focused on victims of natural disasters, and gave participants the tools they need to respond quickly, intelligently, and thoughtfully in cooperation with other community activists when disaster strikes. Students had the opportunity to learn about Salvation Army's emergency disaster services, to listen to Mrs. Rodriguez's experiences with Hurricane Maria, and to prepare emergency preparedness kits for senior citizens in our community.
October 2018 - Welcome Project SALES
We were pleased to welcome Project SALES to the PSL Center for Civic Engagement on Thursday, October 18th. As this cohort of students from Lake and Geauga counties develop their service and leadership skills, we shared with them our work with the Giving Garden, the Student Philanthropy Program, the Pirate Power Pack Program, Thriving Threads, Opening Minds Through Music, and Shantytown.
September 2018 - PSL Develops Partnership with the Perry Public Library
In an effort to expand our outreach to the Perry community, PSL's Seniors Helping Seniors program has partnered with the Perry Public Library to deliver books and media and serve as a friendly visitor to home-bound seniors. To learn more about the program, click HERE. To sign up for any of our Seniors Helping Seniors services, click HERE.
August 2018 - PSL Students Participate in our First Annual Summer of Service
The Perry Service Learning S.O.S. program was designed for rising seniors to complete some or all of their required service hours for PSL while helping to sustain vital programs in our community. Students who completed 10 hours of service over the summer earned a reduced service requirement during the last 5 weeks of the school year. Students were also offered the opportunity to complete 100 hours of service over the summer, which would have fulfilled their PSL volunteer requirements for the 2018-2019 school year. This year's outstanding volunteers contributed more than 100 hours of service to organizations including the PHS Giving Garden, Thriving Threads Clothing Room, and the Seniors Helping Seniors Program.
June 2018 - 1st Annual O'Brien Gray 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk
The O'Brien Gray 5K and 1 Mile Walk honored the memory of PSL graduates Kayleigh O'Brien '16 and Myka Gray '16, and the impact they had on our community. All proceeds from the event supported the Bound Angels Scholarship at Perry High School. Race volunteers and participants also donated food to support the Pirate Power Pack Program.
May 2018 - Congratulations to the PSL Class of 2018
Congratulations to the PSL Class of 2018! This incredible group of graduates made a difference in our community by volunteering for more than 6,000 hours at local non-profits, schools, and agencies, investing more than $2,600 in local organizations, implementing the Pirate Power Pack Program, and re-imagining our community's clothing room.
May 2018 - Students Award more than $2,000 to Local Non-Profits
Through their efforts with Magnified Giving , PSL students awarded more than $2,000 to area non-profits, including The Perry Center, Camp Sue Osborn, the Forbes House, and the Lake County YMCA. Special thanks to the Learn, Lead, Serve program at Wickliffe High School for hosting this year's award ceremony.
April 2018 - Pirate Power Pack Program Awarded Sustaining Grant from YSA and Sodexo
The Pirate Power Pack Program was awarded an $800 Global Youth Service Day Grant from Youth Service America and Sodexo Stop Hunger. These funds will help address weekend food insecurity at Perry Elementary and Middle Schools. To learn more about the Pirate Power Pack Program, click here.
April 2018 - The Lantern of Madison Donates Technology for PSL Students
The Lantern of Madison donated an HP color printer/scanner/copier and an Apple USB SuperDrive to the PSL Program. Earlier this semester, students conducted interviews and created memory books at part of The Memory Project. The experience was so successful that The Lantern donated the technology to ensure this collaboration continues for years to come.
March 2018 - Giving Garden named a 2018 Seed Keeper Project Winner
The PHS Giving Garden has been recognized as the 2018 Seed Keeper Project Winner for the State of Ohio. As part of this recognition, the Giving Garden received a seed storage kit, garden tools, and a copy of Garden-pedia, a gardening book co-authored by Perry High School alumnus Maria Zampini '80.
January/February 2018 - Students Collaborate With Seniors in our Community
PSL students met with residents from The Lantern of Madison during the first two weeks of February to collaborate on a Memory Project. Recognizing the healing effects of social interaction, the students planned three meetings with local elders to gather information about their life experiences and ultimately create keepsake memory booklets for the people they interviewed.
December 2017 - Holiday Food Drive a Success!
The PSL Holiday Food Drive brought in 3,000 lbs. of food and over $2,000 for the Perry Center. In addition to benefiting people who live, work, or worship in Perry, the drive also supports the Pirate Power Pack program.
November/December 2017
Five PSL students recently completed an urban plunge to Chicago where they served at an after school tutoring program, an urban garden, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence, and a soup kitchen. Collectively, they served over 100 hours with multiple nonprofits that are meeting unmet needs on the south side of the city.
September 2017
PSL students traveled to Cincinnati to serve in an urban soup kitchen and after school program. Students also attended the Mayerson Service Learning Workshop at the University of Cincinnati. In addition to performing a combined 75 hours of service, the students brought back new ideas for service projects that they hope to implement this year.
September 2017
PSL students spent the night outside on September 24th to raise awareness and funds for homeless veterans. The students donated $250 to the Sub Zero Mission along with a large box full of warming items.
May 2017: PSL Students Award $1,000 Grant to Homeless Vets
PSL students held an award ceremony on May 4th to distribute $2,000 in grant money to nonprofits that are meeting unmet needs in Northeast Ohio. This year, the students selected The Sub Zero Mission, an organization that serves homeless veterans as the recipient of a $1,000 grant. The students also awarded $600 to the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center and $400 to Crossroads of Lake County.
May 2017: Celebrating CollaborationPSL and Broadmoor School are celebrating over a decade of collaboration that has resulted in powerful experiences for students from both schools. Since PSL's founding in 2005, our volunteers have been provided with meaningful service experiences, many of which led to important career decisions, while students at Broadmoor have built incredible relationships with typical peers. Moreover, PSL student initiated the first basketball game between Broadmoor and Perry, a tradition that continues to this day.
To commemorate the relationship, Broadmoor created a plaque (left) that now hangs in the school's hallways. The relationship continues during the 2017-18 school year with two PSL students volunteering in preschool classrooms at Broadmoor. |
May 2017: GenerationOn awards grant to support STEM-based service project
The Perry Service Learning Program was selected to receive a STEM grant provided by GenerationOn to support an upcoming service project. Check back soon to see how this grant is kickstarting a project that will serve students at Perry Elementary School!
April 2017: Students Celebrate Earth Day
Over 50 students, parents, teachers and community members served on Green Day. The event was marked by a ceremonial tree planting in the PHS cafeteria courtyard, several senior citizen yard clean-ups, a beach clean-up at the Lake Erie Bluffs, and preparing the Giving Garden for spring planting. Special thanks to the Perry Women's League, OSU Agricultural Extension Office, and Klyn Nursery for their support of this year's event.
April 2017: ServeOhio awards GYSD grant to PSL's Giving Garden
ServeOhio awarded their 2017 Global Youth Service Day grant to PSL's Giving Garden. Their generous support coincides with our upcoming Community Green Day, and ensures resources that allow us to provide fresh produce to The Perry Center, teach Perry students about sustainable growing techniques, and engage Perry students in a rich and relevant experiential learning environment.
March 2017: Students attend the curious incident of the dog in the night-time at Playhouse Square
As part of Developmental Disabilities month, eight PSL students attended the Tony Award-winning play the curious incident of the dog in the night-time. Thank you to Playhouse Square for providing these learning experiences for students!
February 2017: PSL students participate in A Night to Shine
PSL students, alumni, and family collaborated with the Paineville Baptist Church, Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Lake Erie College, and the Tim Tebow Foundation to host an unforgettable prom experience for people with special needs. Read the News Herald article highlighting the extraordinary event HERE.
January 2017: Students Recognize Non-Profits
Students in the PSL progarm awarded $2,000 in grant money from Magnified Giving to local non-profits. The News Herald featured PSL's student philanthropy program in an article on January 10th.
Students in the PSL progarm awarded $2,000 in grant money from Magnified Giving to local non-profits. The News Herald featured PSL's student philanthropy program in an article on January 10th.
January 2017: Honors PSL Seminar Option for Class of 2018
The class of 2018 will have the option of registering for Honors PSL Seminar. This new elective will extend the traditional PSL course by exploring real-world issues from multiple perspectives in a seminar format. Using an inquiry framework, students will cultivate their ability to craft, communicate, and defend evidence research, and will practice disciplined and scholarly research skills. The course is three weighted credits.
The class of 2018 will have the option of registering for Honors PSL Seminar. This new elective will extend the traditional PSL course by exploring real-world issues from multiple perspectives in a seminar format. Using an inquiry framework, students will cultivate their ability to craft, communicate, and defend evidence research, and will practice disciplined and scholarly research skills. The course is three weighted credits.
January 2017: Students examine the impact of immigration on Northeast Ohio
On Thursday, January 26th, PSL students visited The Office of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants, and The Islamic Center of Cleveland to see how immigration reforms at the national level are impacting people in our community.
On Thursday, January 26th, PSL students visited The Office of Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Committee for Refugees & Immigrants, and The Islamic Center of Cleveland to see how immigration reforms at the national level are impacting people in our community.
December 2016: 12th Annual Holiday Food Drive
Thanks to all of the PSL volunteers who made this year's Holiday Food Drive a success. In addition to collecting donations from 2nd block classrooms at Perry High School, PSL students also collect monetary donations for the Perry Center and the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign outside of Rideout's IGA.
Thanks to all of the PSL volunteers who made this year's Holiday Food Drive a success. In addition to collecting donations from 2nd block classrooms at Perry High School, PSL students also collect monetary donations for the Perry Center and the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign outside of Rideout's IGA.
December 2016: Su Casa Plunge
The PSL program made its 14th trip to Su Casa on Dec. 1st. Su Casa is a homeless shelter on the south side of Chicago serving women and their children. This unique experience enabled students to recognize the difference between wants & needs, helping & serving, and charity & justice.
The PSL program made its 14th trip to Su Casa on Dec. 1st. Su Casa is a homeless shelter on the south side of Chicago serving women and their children. This unique experience enabled students to recognize the difference between wants & needs, helping & serving, and charity & justice.
November 2016: Roger Grein visits PSL
Roger Grein, the founder of Magnified Giving, shared his personal story and life of philanthropic endeavors with PSL students on Friday, November 18th. Students from Wickliffe High School's new service learning class were also in attendance for the presentation.
Roger Grein, the founder of Magnified Giving, shared his personal story and life of philanthropic endeavors with PSL students on Friday, November 18th. Students from Wickliffe High School's new service learning class were also in attendance for the presentation.
November 2016: PSL Students Tour Willoughby-Eastlake's School of Innovation
On Tuesday, November 15th, six PSL students toured the Willoughby-Eastlake School of Innovation (SOI) SOI is the first platform school in Ohio that infuses STEM curriculum and instructional practices with a focus on design focused learning. This trip coincided with our study of education reform topics and was particularly relevant to students who volunteer in educational settings or aspire to a career in education.
On Tuesday, November 15th, six PSL students toured the Willoughby-Eastlake School of Innovation (SOI) SOI is the first platform school in Ohio that infuses STEM curriculum and instructional practices with a focus on design focused learning. This trip coincided with our study of education reform topics and was particularly relevant to students who volunteer in educational settings or aspire to a career in education.
October 2016: Making New Gardens Grow
PSL volunteers teamed up wit h students from Perry Elementary School to spruce up the grounds near the wooden playground and bus loop. Under the guidance of Mrs. Jodi Hicks, 4th graders worked to update two garden beds with colorful perennials, while the PSL students shared their gardening expertise.
September 2016: Seven PSL students travel to Cincinnati to learn and serve
On September 29th and 30th, four PSL students traveled to the University of Cincinnati to attend the Mayerson High School Service Learning workshop. Students also served at Winton Place Youth Center, Shelterhouse, and St. Francis Seraph soup kitchen. The experience afforded students to meet people who are transforming lives through their service and discover innovative practices from other schools with service learning programs.
September 2016: PSL one of nine programs selected by Magnified Giving to pilot new tool
PSL was selected to be one of nine programs to pilot Magnified Giving's new non-profit analysis tool known as the LENS. This tool allows students to objectively rate non-profits and ultimately will help them decide how to allocate $2,000 in grant money this year.
September 2016: Shantytown Raises $300 for Project Hope
PSL students hosted Shantytown on September 25th. This year students partnered with Project Hope's Families Moving Forward program in Painesville, Ohio to to learn how our community addresses the issue of homeless youth. Registration is now closed. Participants raised $300 for the shelter.
August 2016: Welcome Class of 2017
The PSL program extends a warm welcome to the class of 2017. This year's class consists of 68 seniors. In addition to volunteering at long time partner agencies such as Hospice, Broadmoor, and Lifeline, the students are also establishing new relationships at Holy Cat Whiskers, Lake Metroparks Environmental Learning Center, and resurrecting the Seniors Helping Seniors program.
May 2016: PSL students host prom fashion show at Brookdale in Mentor
Twenty-two PHS students visited with the residents of Brookdale at Mentor on May 9th and modeled the latest prom fashions. This annual event affords seniors at PHS the opportunity to interact with residents in this senior living community.
April 2016: 70 Volunteers Join Together to Make Green Day a Success
Perry celebrated Earth Day by sponsoring the annual Community Green Day on Saturday, April 23rd. Over 70 students, parents, and community volunteers conducted clean-ups at the Lake Erie Bluffs, public parks, and the homes of local senior citizens. A crew also helped to prepare the PHS Giving Garden for Spring planting. Special thanks to the Perry Women's League for hosting a luncheon for all volunteers.
April 2016: PSL students award $2,000 to deserving non-profits
With support from Magnified Giving, the PSL class of 2016 awarded $2,000 to deserving non-profits in our community. The first place, $1,000 grant, went to Hospice of the Western Reserve. The second place, $600 grant, went to Achievement Centers for Children. The third place, $400 grant went to Crossroads of Lake County.
March 2016: Bobcats remain undefeated
The PHS boys and girls basketball teams dropped a close game to the undefeated Broadmoor Bobcats on March 11th but there were smiles all around. The game is one of many events held during Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month to raise awareness about the abilities of people with special needs.
March 2015: PES Ability Awareness Program
PSL students traveled to the elementary school on March 2nd and 3rd to share simulations they developed with students in the third and fourth grade design learning classes. The simulations were designed to highlight the abilities of people with autism, communication disorders, Tourette syndrome, Down syndrome, dyslexia, anxiety disorders, and cerebral palsy.
February 2015: Garden Named Ohio Seed Keeper Project Winner
On February 28th, The Seed Keeper Company named the Giving Garden its Ohio Seed Keeper Project winner. The PSL students who tend the garden will receive a Seed Keeper Home Farmer Kit, membership in the Seeds of the Month Club, and the essential gardening companion book - Garden-pedia. The award comes just in time to help us make 2016 the garden's best year yet. Special thanks to Kathie Pohl for the nomination.
February 2015: Trip Explores Employability of People with Special Needs
On Thursday, February 25th, seven PSL students had the opportunity to visit several organizations in our community that advocate to include people with special needs in the workforce. The itinerary included stops at the Lake County Historical Society, C.A.R.E.S., Unique Like Me, and the Lake County Board of DD Willoughby Workshop. The students also met Diane Swatowski who shared her personal story of finding work after graduating from Kent.
January 2015: Students Examine Effect of Immigrants on Northeast Ohio
On January 21st, students had the opportunity to understand how the national debate over immigration is playing out locally by participating in a one day plunge. Participants visited with an officer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Islamic Center of Cleveland, and the International Services Center. The plunge was designed so that students can view the immigration issue from a variety of perspectives.
December 2015: PSL Holiday Food Drive Raises Needed Funds for Perry Center
Students in the PSL program facilitated a food drive from December 4-11 to benefit the Perry Center. The students collected 3,816 .lbs of donated non-perishable items. Furthermore, the students and staff of PHS raised over $1,100 for our local food bank. PSL volunteers also rang the bell for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign which benefits the Perry Center. Thanks to IGA and everyone who contributed for helping to make this one of the best on record.
December 2015: PSL students return to Su Casa for annual urban plunge
PSL made its 11th annual trip to Su Casa, a shelter serving victims of domestic violence in Chicago from Dec. 3-6, 2015. This unique opportunity enabled students to live among the people they serve. While there students prepared evening meals for shelter residents, winterized windows, tutored children, served meals in a community soup kitchen, and worked in the community garden.
November 2015: Education Reform Plunge
In November, PSL students visited Breakthrough Charter Schools and Ginn Academy during their study of education reform to learn about the impact of school culture on student outcomes. These innovative schools are developing exemplary students with innovative educational practices.
October 2015: Shantytown Focuses on Refugees
Twenty-five students spent the night of October 4th sleeping in tents outside of the PSL Center for Civic Engagement and learning about refugees through the annual Shantytown event. Students raised $250 for the International Services Center that helps to relocate refugees in Northeast Ohio.
September 2015: Cincinnati Urban Plunge
Seven PSL students traveled south to Cincinnati on Sept. 24th and 25th to serve at Winton Place Youth Center, Shelterhouse, and St. Francis Seraph Soup Kitchen. Students also attended the Mayerson High School Service Learning workshop at the University of Cincinnati.
August 2015: Class of 2016 Serves Northeast Ohio
90 members of the PSL Class of 2016 began volunteering at over 30 different locations on September 8th. Many students are serving at Lake Health, Hospice, Perry Schools, the YMCA, the Lake County Humane Society, and Madison Senior Center. PSL also welcomes several new service partners this year including Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Salida Woods, HandsOn Physical Therapy, Painesville Assembly of God, and Ronald McDonald House.
August 2015: PSL students serve at Salvation Army
Students from all three PSL classes traveled to the Salvation Army in Painesville on August 25th, 26th, and 27th to participate in poverty simulations, serve in the soup kitchen, and meet representatives from local schools and non-profits who are seeking volunteers. Over the course of the three days, students served over 200 meals, distributed hundreds of bags of bread, and prepared clothing for distribution to clients in need. Click here for pictures from this trip.
June 2015: PSL students complete summer service at Su Casa in Chicago
PSL students visited Su Casa for an alternative summer break trip to Chicago. Seven juniors and seniors spent four days serving at this homeless shelter for women and children who are escaping domestic violence. Students had the opportunity to prepare meals, serve in the neighborhood soup kitchen, and work in the community garden on the grounds of the shelter.
May 2015: Julie Gyure named Spirit of Philanthropy Award Winner
Congratulations to Julie Gyure for being named the 2015 Roger Grein Spirit of Philanthropy Award Winner. This award is given annually by Magnified Giving to the student who embodies the spirit of philanthropy that the program strives to teach. During the 2014-15 school year, Julie served as the director of the PSL student philanthropy program. Her responsibilities included communicating with over 100 local non-profits, scheduling conference calls, conducting site visits, collecting grant applications, producing videos for the three finalists, and planning award ceremonies. She also worked closely with Mrs. Rzeszotarki on developing a blended learning philanthropy course. She joins Kendra Lutes, class of ’13, as the second PSL graduate to receive this award. Julie will receive a book award, a $100 gift certificate, and a $100 grant to donate to the non-profit of her choice. Next year Julie plans to study organizational leadership at the University of Cincinnati with a minor in human resources and non-profit work.
May 2015: Brookdale Prom Fashion Show
PSL students participated in the 10th annual Prom Fashion Show at Brookdale (formerly Emeritus at Mentor). Brookdale residents loved seeing the students dressed up in the latest fashions. Perry students enjoyed the opportunity to meet and bond with the residents during the social that followed the event. For more pictures from the event, please click here.
May 2015: PSL students & kindergarteners team up for writer's celebration
On Friday, May 1st, PSL teamed up with the kindergarten classrooms for a writer's celebration. This afforded kindergarteners an opportunity to share the narrative and opinion writing they've been working on with an authentic audience. Likewise, PSL students were able to share some stories from their portfolios and reflect on the importance of service with future members of the PSL class of 2027.
May 2015: Student Philanthropists Award $2,000 to Non-profits
For the third consecutive year, PSL student philanthropists awarded $2,000 to deserving non-profits in partnership with the Magnified Giving program. This year, students distributed the money between Birthright ($1,000), PAWS ($600), and Ronald McDonald House ($400). Thanks to everyone who participated in the online vote.
April 2015: Community Green Day
Over 70 volunteers participated in Community Green Day took on April 25th. Activities included a beach clean-up at the Lake Erie Bluffs, prepping the PHS Giving Garden for Spring planting, a Red Mill Creek clean-up, and yard work at a senior citizen home. Special thanks to the Perry Women's League, Lake Metroparks, United Way Club, and Recycling Club for their help in organizing this year's event. For more pictures, please click here.
April 2015: DOCUMERICA: Northeast Ohio Edition 2015 Student Photos
In March 2015, students in the Perry Service Learning (PSL) program were charged with taking photographs to assess the impact of humans on the environment in Northeast Ohio. All photos were judged by Mr. Jeffrey Goodman, a PHS teacher and award winning photographer. Click here to view the top student entries.
With the help of social media, the winning entries of this year's DOCUMERICA Northeast Ohio edition photo contest were viewed by over 200 students and community members, therefore increasing awareness about the environmental issues and success stories that exist in our community today.
With the help of social media, the winning entries of this year's DOCUMERICA Northeast Ohio edition photo contest were viewed by over 200 students and community members, therefore increasing awareness about the environmental issues and success stories that exist in our community today.
March 2015: Community Walk & Roll
PSL and W.A.G.S. 4 Kids teamed up to host the 5th annual Perry Community Walk & Roll on March 4th, 2015. The program featured Jack Wolf, the Muscular Dystrophy Association's ambassador for the state of Ohio, as the keynote speaker. The event concluded with a 1 mile walk in the Community Fitness Center where participants tried simulations and learned about local organizations that serve people with special needs. Click here to see the event featured on the local evening news.
March 2015: Know me. Not my disability.
PSL students concluded their unit on topics in special education by preparing simulations that highlighted the abilities of people with disabilities. The simulations represented a variety of topics including mental health, physical impairments, and developmental disabilities. The best simulations were invited to present at the Community Walk & Roll on March 4th. To see pictures from this year's simulations, please click here.
January 2015: Immigration Plunge
Seven PSL students embarked on a one day plunge to explore how immigration issues affect Northeast Ohio. Students met with representatives from HOLA, Immigration, Customs, & Enforcement (ICE), and the International Services Center of Cleveland (ISC), in order to gain a variety of perspectives on the topic. While visiting the ISC, students heard the immigration stories of refugees from Afghanistan, Burma, and Nepal who were recently resettled in the Cleveland area.
December 2014: Record Breaking Year for the Holiday Food Drive
PSL students conducted the annual Holiday Food Drive by collecting donations at PHS, IGA, and Giant Eagle. 4,130 pounds of groceries and $1,754 was donated directly to The Perry Center. Moreover, PSL volunteers also raised $2,634 for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a record breaking year!
PSL students conducted the annual Holiday Food Drive by collecting donations at PHS, IGA, and Giant Eagle. 4,130 pounds of groceries and $1,754 was donated directly to The Perry Center. Moreover, PSL volunteers also raised $2,634 for the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign. Thanks to everyone who helped make this a record breaking year!
December 2014: News Herald Article Features PSL Students at Clothe-A-Child
Five PSL students are volunteering with Clothe-A-Child this school year. Their experiences helping some of Lake County's younger residents meet their basic needs is the topic of a News Herald article that appeared in the December 12th addition.
December 2014: Perry Center Tour Reveals Needs
On Monday, December 1st students in the PSL program toured the Perry Center with Mr. Art Buser. Mr. Buser explained that the Perry Center provides assistance to people who live, work, or worship in Perry. In addition to food and taxable items, the Perry Center helps individuals who are struggling to pay their rent and utility bills. The center is staffed entirely by volunteers. As a result, 96.5% of every dollar donated goes directly to helping community members in need. If you would like to make a donation to The Perry Center please visit their web page.
November 2014: Charter School Plunge
The 3rd annual Charter School plunge took place on Thursday, Nov. 6th. PSL students toured and observed at The Intergenerational School and Village Prep run by Breakthrough Charter Schools. Students also toured and served students at Lincoln Park Elementary, a charter school on Cleveland's near west side run by White Hat Management. The experience tied in with our study of education reform and enabled students to gain insights on a variety of topics including alternatives to public education, school culture, teacher tenure, merit pay, and school funding.
November 2014: Magnified Giving Video Features PSL Grad from Class of 2013
October 2014 : Shantytown Supports Extended Housing in Painesville
On Sunday, October 12th, 41 PHS students took part in the school's 9th annual Shantytown which focused on mental illness and the need for supportive housing. Proceeds from this year's event benefited Extended Housing. This year's event featured speakers from the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless Street Voices program, a simple meal of soup and bread, a film, and other activities designed to raise awareness about homelessness in our community. Participants raised $300 for Extended Housing and donated a dozen welcome baskets filled with household items for individuals transitioning to new apartments.
October 2014: Learning to be engaged citizens
Students from Mrs. Perry's 3rd grade classroom traveled to the PSL Center for Civic Engagement on September 30th to pack lunches for individuals in the Salvation Army Homeless Intervention Program. PSL students joined in by donating bread, peanut butter, jelly, apples, bottled water, chips, chocolate, and their time to pack 50 lunches. This activity was one of many offered during the unit on poverty and homelessness to teach students about different types of civic engagement: personally responsible citizens, participatory citizens, and transforming citizens.
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September 2014: PSL students learn and serve during annual Cincinnati plunge
Six members of the PSL class of 2015 traveled to Cincinnati on September 23rd and 24th to serve at people at The Drop Inn Center, Winton Place Youth Center, and St. Francis Seraph Soup Kitchen. Students also took part at the 17th annual Mayerson Student Service Leadership Workshop at the University of Cincinnati. In addition to learning about service initiatives at other schools, the PSL program also presented a session titled "Life's a Garden. Dig it. How to Create a Giving Garden at Your School." Click here to see photos from the trip.
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August 2014: Class of 2015 makes history
Although the year is still young, the PSL Class of 2015 is already making history. In addition to being the largest PSL class ever with 112 students, they are also the first group to meet in the PSL Center for Civic Engagement at Manchester West.
August 2014: PSL Center for Civic Engagement Celebrates Grand Opening
The PSL program officially moved to a new home in 2014. The PSL Center for Civic Engagement will is located in Manchester West in the space formerly occupied by the Lake County Vocational Training Center. The new center features a spacious main classroom, two conference rooms, a library, a kitchen, recycling center, and ample storage space. Moreover, it is conveniently located in the same building as the Perry Center, PWL Clothing Room, Re-Ed ACCESS, the Perry PTA, and Perry Recreation. PSL volunteers have served many of these organizations in the past and the move should serve to strengthen these relationships.
June 2014: PSL summer program introduces students to volunteerism
Perry Teens Leading Change (TLC) was a week long program for incoming 9th-11th graders focused on helping students connect their living with their learning. Our enthusiastic group of students engaged with local experts at a variety of non-profit organizations, including the Perry Center, Cleveland Foodbank, Salvation Army, Child Care on the Square, and Lake Metroparks. Participants also discovered ways to make a difference in our community through volunteerism. To learn more, please click here. For more info on TLC or the PSL Program, follow us on Twitter at @PHS_Service Learning.
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May 2014: Thanks PSL Class of 2015
Students in the PSL class of 2014: provided over 9,395 hours of service to their community, participated in a student philanthropy program that awarded $2,000 to deserving non-profits, hosted events to advocate for people who are homeless and people who have special needs, conducted a holiday food drive that generated over $3,356 and 3,831 lbs. of food for the Perry Center, and initiated GYSD projects that addressed unmet needs in our community. Thank you!
May 2014: PSL students host Prom Fashion Show at Emeritus
On Thursday, May 15th, PSL students hosted a Prom Fashion Show at one of our long-term partner agencies, Emeritus at Mentor. In addition to featuring this year's prom fashions, students had the opportunity to socialize with residents of the assisted living facility during the reception that followed.
April 2014: DOCUMERICA Lake County Edition Photo Contest Winners
In April 2014, students in the PSL program set out to assess the impact of humans on the environment in Lake County through photography. This project was inspired by the Environmental Protection Agency's DOCUMERICA project which captured the state of America's environment between 1972 and 1977. The PSL students submitted photos representing a wide range of environmental issues. All photos were judged by Mr. Jeffrey Goodman, a PHS social studies teacher and award winning photographer. To see this year's winning entries, please click here.
April 2014: 5th Annual Green Day a Success
Thanks to all of the volunteers who showed up on April 26th to help with Perry's 5th annual Community Green Day. Volunteers removed over 500 pounds of trash from the beach at Lake Erie Bluffs. The senior citizen yard clean-ups, Lee Lydic Park clean-up, and PHS Giving Garden prep work were also successful. Special thanks to Lake Metroparks for facilitating the Lake Erie Bluffs clean-up and to the Perry Women's League for a great lunch. Hope to see everyone back again next year!
April 2014: Edinboro brings "Abilities in Motion" to PHS students
On Wednesday, April 16th the Edinboro University wheelchair basketball team presented their Abilities in Motion program to the students at Perry High School. Coach Jim Glatch, who also led Team USA to a bronze medal in the 2012 Paralympic games in London, highlighted the accomplishments of his athletes and broke down some of the myths that exist about people with disabilities. The program concluded with an opportunity for PHS students to play alongside the Edinboro team. The experience served as a reminder to look beyond disability and recognize people for who they are.
April 2014: PSL students award $2,000 to local non-profits
For the second straight year, PSL partnered with Magnified Giving to provide grants to three deserving non-profits in Northeast Ohio. This innovative program teaches students to become the philanthropists of tomorrow while meeting society's needs today. After months of reviewing grant applications, conducting site visits, and engaging in thoughtful discussions, the PSL class of 2014 awarded a $1,500 grant to Give a Wig, a $300 grant to Project Hope for the Homeless, and a $200 grant to The Cleveland Foodbank. Click here to learn more about each of these organizations.
March 2014: Rock and Roll Hall of Fame field trip shows students the power of music
On Thursday, March 27th, Perry Service Learning students attended the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame presentation “Fight the Power”: Music as a Social Force. The program introduced students to artists that spread messages of revolution, protest, and empowerment through musical styles as diverse as folk, rock, and soul, and helped illustrate how music can be a powerful tool for social change. Students also had the opportunity to explore the museum and find inspiration for their own song exhibits, which they are crafting as part of our unit Music as a Force for Social Change.
March 2014: PSL students attend play performed by 11 actors who are deaf and blind
Mark Schuler, Theo Ontko, and Christie Welch attended the March 20th performance of Not Bread Alone, an inspiring play performed by 11 actors who are deaf and blind. The play transports the audience into a world where human touch serves as a means to communicate not only information, but love capable of transcending the loneliness that comes with darkness. Above all, the performance leaves the audience recognizing the abilities, unique personalities, and dreams of the talented performers. To view a preview of the show, please click here.
March 2014: Plunge teaches students about inclusion of people with special needs
On March 13th and 14th, seven PSL students participated in a plunge to examine the inclusion and employability of people with special needs. By the end of the experience, students gained an understanding of the wide range of community organizations that provide vocational guidance and training to people with special needs and recognized local businesses that provide job opportunities for this population.
March 2014: PSL students assist at Mardi Gras Party for students with special needs
On Friday, March 7th, students in the PSL program teamed up with the Perry High School Cross Categorical Unit (CCU) to host a Mardi Gras party for students with special needs from all over Lake County. The event featured carnival games, dancing, an obstacle course, face painting, and a delicious lunch. Both students with disabilities and typical peers had the opportunity to interact, learn more about each other, and realize how much fun they can have together.
January 2014: PSL students return from 3rd annual plunge focused on immigration issues
Seven PSL students recently completed a two day field trip in Northeast Ohio focused on immigration issues. The trip began with a tour of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Cleveland Museum of Art. Next, students met with individuals representing government, law enforcement, schools, nursery owners, and social service organizations. Students learned about immigration from multiple local perspectives so that they can better understand the debate over immigration reform taking place at the national level.
December 2013: Students conduct site visits for philanthropy program
PSL students are participating in the Magnified Giving program for the 2nd year in a row. The program seeks to teach young people to become educated philanthropists by giving them $2,000 to award to local non-profits. Students in the PSL class of 2014 recently visited 40 non-profits in the month of December in order to help them determine which agencies to award grants to in May. To learn more about our student philanthropy program, please click here.
December 2013: Holiday Food Drive Posts Record Breaking Results
The 9th annual PHS Holiday Food Drive benefitting the Perry Center ran from December 6th-13th. Each student in the PSL program contributed 2 hours outside of class towards the success of the drive. Many students rang the bell for the red kettle and distributed grocery lists of the items the Perry Center needed most to shoppers at IGA. Others conducted neighborhood food drives or collected canned goods prior to varsity basketball games. Overall, PSL students collected 3,831 pounds of food, $2,374 from the school drive, and $982 from the red kettle. Thanks to the Perry community for their generosity which helped make this the most successful holiday food drive ever!
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December 2013: PSL Students Participate in 9th Annual Service Trip to Su Casa in Chicago, Illinois
The 9th annual Chicago Urban Plunge took place on December 7-10, 2013. Students volunteered at Su Casa, a homeless shelter for victims of domestic violence located on the city's south side. While there, students sorted food and clothing donations, cleaned, and prepared a meal for residents of the shelter. Students also had the opportunity to serve at Frieda's Place, a soup kitchen affiliated with the shelter that serves residents on the south side. To learn more about this and other plunges, please click here.
December 2013: PSL Students Tour the Perry Center
Students in the PSL program toured the Perry Center on Monday, December 2nd to learn about the day-to-day operations of the center and the people it serves. Art Buser pointed out that the center served over 300 individuals who live, work, or worship in Perry in November of 2013. He also reminded students that the center is entirely staffed by volunteers. As a result, 96.5% of every donation goes directly to addressing the needs of clients served by the center. The trip occurred just days before the kick off of the annual holiday food drive to give students a better understanding of the needs that exist in our school and our community.
November 2013: Roger Grein addresses PSL students on philanthropy
Special thanks to Roger Grein, the founder of Magnified Giving, who traveled from Cincinnati to speak with our PSL students on Nov. 22nd. In 2012, Roger was named the Philanthropist of the Year by the Assn. of Fundraising Professionals in Greater Cincinnati. Over the last 20 years, he donated over $7 million to charitable causes. In addition to sharing his insights on the joys of giving, he also shared several stories about overcoming adversity. Through Roger's generosity, this year's PSL class will be investing $2,000 in three deserving local non-profits.
November 2013: PSL students serve Thanksgiving dinner for veterans who are homeless
PSL teamed up with American Legion Post 336 and the Dept. of Veterans Affairs Painesville Outpatient Clinic to host Thanksgiving dinner for veterans who are homeless or struggling financially on November 19th. Over a dozen PHS students turned out to show their gratitude to local veterans for their service and the sacrifices they have made for our freedom. The students helped to prepare and serve a complete Thanksgiving dinner with all of the fixings.
November 2013: Asa Cox Shares Advice on Giving with PSL Students
Thanks to Asa Cox, owner of Asa Cox Homes and founder of Asa's Angels, for speaking to the PSL students on November 15th about philanthropy. Each year Asa's Angels assists thousands of Northeast Ohioans by providing school supplies, Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas presents, and Easter baskets to people in need. Asa's personal story about overcoming adversity and her belief that "the more you give, the more that comes back to you" inspired the PSL class as they prepare to award $2,000 to deserving non-profits through Magnified Giving's student philanthropy program.
October 2013: Green Your Halloween a Success Despite Rain Drops
Dozens of students from the Perry Service Learning program, United Way Club, and PHS Recylcing Club canvassed Red Mill Run, Azalea Ridge, Grand Manor, Casa Bella, and Loretto Landing on Halloween night collecting paper from residents and raising awareness about the importance of recycling. Despite the inclimate weather, students went door-to-door at over 200 homes and collected enough paper to fill both Abitibi bins at Perry High School. Thanks to everyone involved who helped to make this year's event the most successful ever!
October 2013: PSL students tour four charter schools
On Thursday, Oct. 24th, seven PSL students traveled to Citzens Academy, E-Prep, Village Prep, and Lincoln Park Academy as part of their study of education and education reform. Students had the opportunity to meet with Lyman Millard, the spokesperson for Breakthough Charter Schools. Breakthrough Charter Schools are the highest rated public charter schools in Cleveland. Students also met with PHS alumnus Caitlyn Klesta who now teaches at a charter school in Cleveland. The trip enabled students to see how the school climate, and relationships between students, parents, and staff impact student outcomes.
October 2013: Shantytown participants raise $250 and donations for the Sub Zero Mission
Twenty-nine students braved the brisk October air during the 7th annual PHS Shantytown on October 20th, 2013 to raise awareness about veterans who experience poverty and homelessness. The students raised $250 and donated two large boxes full of socks, hats, gloves, blankets, and sleeping bags to the Sub Zero Mission. Participants also planted a Veteran Tribute in the PHS courtyard to honor all those who have served our country.
October 2013: Class of 2014 earns praise for their service efforts
Even though they have only been volunteering for 4 weeks, the PSL class of 2014 has already accumulated over 800 hours of service and is earning the praise of the people they serve. To see what people are saying about this year's PSL volunteers, please click here.
September 2013: Cincinnati Plunge teaches students to work for justice
On Sept. 16 and 17, 2013, seven PSL students collectively donated over 35 hours of service to three Cincinnati non-profits working for justice on behalf of the urban poor. Students also attended the annual Mayerson High School Service Learning Workshop at the University of Cincinnati and shared ideas about service learning with 550 participants representing 50 high schools.
September 2013: Third Graders Uncover 200 lbs. of Potatoes in PHS Giving Garden
Zak Hurd, Nick Adamik, Chelsea Collins, and Taylor Bajc worked alongside students from Mrs. Pietra-Freeman's 3rd grade class to harvest 200 lbs. of potatoes from the PHS Giving Garden. Click here to see the News Herald story. Students from Mrs. Perry and Mrs. Darnell's classrooms also helped to harvest sweet potatoes later in the Fall. Since July, students have donated over 500 lbs. of fresh produce to The Perry Center.
August 2013: PSL kicks off year with Salvation Army field trip
PSL students kicked off the school year by participating in poverty simulations, performing service, and attending a volunteer fair at the Salvation Army in Painesville. Each class will have their own day:
The students combined to donate over 50 hours of service to the Salvation Army by assisting in the soup kitchen, sorting donations for the food pantry, and organizing school supplies. Special thanks to Lifeline, Inc., Hospice of the Western Reserve, Clothe-a-Child, QUEST, Lake Co. Bd. of DD, Emeritus, the YMCA, the Salvaton Army for participating in our volunteer fair!
The students combined to donate over 50 hours of service to the Salvation Army by assisting in the soup kitchen, sorting donations for the food pantry, and organizing school supplies. Special thanks to Lifeline, Inc., Hospice of the Western Reserve, Clothe-a-Child, QUEST, Lake Co. Bd. of DD, Emeritus, the YMCA, the Salvaton Army for participating in our volunteer fair!
August 2013: Students donate unwanted food to Perry Center
The PSL program, Recycling Club, and United Way Club are collecting unwanted fruits and packaged foods from students during the lunch blocks at PHS to donate to The Perry Center. As a result of this effort, students donate 2-3 grocery bags full of apples, oranges, bananas, apple sauce, and other packaged foods to the Perry Center each week.
August 2013: Giving Garden off to a record breaking start
Chelsea Collins and Deanna Schober harvested a record 72 pounds of potatoes, carrots, zucchini, squash, tomatoes, and cucumbers from the PHS Giving Garden. Since July, PSL students have donated over 300 pounds of produce to The Perry Center.
June 2013: PSL Annual Fund Raises over $350
The 1st Annual Fund campaign generated over $350 that will enable PSL to continue to offer meaningful opportunities through a wide variety of activities and programs. Thanks to all of the alumni, parents, and staff for their generosity. If you are interested in making a gift to PSL please visit our Giving page.
June 2013: Congrats Class of 2013
Congratulations to the PSL class of 2014 who graduated on Sunday, June 2nd. Collectively, they provided 8,138 hours of service to their community and raised over $5,000 to donate to local non-profits including The Perry Center, The Sub Zero Mission, and United Way of Lake County. To see some of the accomplishments of the PSL class of 2013, please review the archived news below.
May 2013: PSL students host prom fashion show at Emeritus
PSL students traveled to Emeritus Assisted Living on Tuesday, May 21st to put on a prom fashion show. Students decorated the runway, recruited volunteers, and put together an impressive spread of punch, cookies, cupcakes, and other delicious treats to share with the residents at Emeritus. This annual event is made possible through the generous support of Hands On Northeast Ohio. The event resulted in a nice bonding between the generations. The residents enjoyed seeing the fashions and reminiscing with the students.
May 2013: Giving Garden receives honorable mention in NEOEA Green School Contest
Since 2010, the North Eastern Ohio Education Association (NEOEA) has recognized schools that are leaders in environmental education. In 2013, the PHS Giving Garden, a collaborative effort between PSL, Recycling Club, Library Council, Student Council, and the Family & Consumer Science Department, received an honorable mention from the NEOEA. Last year, the garden generated over 800 lbs. of fresh produce for the Perry Center.
April 2013: Magnified Giving Award Ceremony
Emily Maffit, Kendra Lutes, and Sara Kerestman presented a $1,500 check to The Sub Zero Mission at the Magnified Giving Awards Ceremony in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 30, 2013. The ceremony included students from 35 high schools with student philanthropy programs and over $50,000 in grant money was awarded to deserving non-profits. To learn more about the Perry Service Learning Student Philanthropy Program, please click here.
April 2013: Community Green Day
Over 50 volunteers participated in The Annual Community Green Day on Saturday, April 27th. Volunteers prepared the PHS Giving Garden for Spring planting, assisted with yard clean-ups, and conducted a beach clean-up at the Lake Erie Bluffs. Special thanks to the Perry Women's League, Lake Health, Lake Metroparks, and Gilson Gardens for supporting this year's event.
April 2013: Walk in their Shoes Focuses on Raising Awareness about Mental Illness
NAMI Lake County and the Perry Schools teamed up to host the 4th annual Walk in Their Shoes Community Forum on Tuesday, April 16, 2013. This event raised awareness and promoted understanding about mental illness and people with special needs through speakers, breakout sessions, simulations, and a 1-mile walk. Click here to read the News Herald article and see photos and video of the event.
April 2013: PSL awards $1,500 to The Sub Zero Mission
The PSL Student Philanthropy Program awarded $1,500 in grant money to the Sub Zero Mission, concluding a year long process designed to help students become engaged philanthropists. The decision came after students spent the year researching local non-profits, analyzing completed grant applications, and conducting site visits. Students also recognized Hannah's Home and Hope Chest for the outstanding work that they do in the community. To learn more about Sub Zero and the other local non-profits nominated by the students, please click here.
April 2013: PSL Students Assist Heartstrings of Cleveland
May is National Mobility Awareness Month & Heartstrings of Cleveland, a local nonprofit providing transportation for individuals with mobility needs, turned to PSL students to help them win a van as part of a nationwide contest. Click here to view and vote for a video produced by Kendra Lutes and Blake New showing how Heartstrings enables its clients to experience a better life.
March 2013: The Regina Brett Show features PSL
The Regina Brett Show featured an interview with Mrs. Trentanelli and Lindsey Reigert on Saturday, March 13th. To catch the conversation about PSL and youth who volunteer, download the podcast by clicking here.
March 2013: PSL Students visit Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
On March 27th the PSL classes visited the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to participate in their program titled "Fight the Power: Music as a Social Force." Students participated in an interactive presentation by the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Education Department featuring songs from the '60s, '70s, and today that challenged audiences to make changes in society. Students also had the opportunity to find inspiration in the museum's exhibits which will serve as the basis for their own miniature exhibit about a song of their choice that inspired social change.
March 2013: Plunge exposes students to issue of inclusion
On March 21st, seven PSL students embarked on a two day field trip focused on the inclusion and employability of people with special needs in our community. The itinerary included visits to the Lake County Historical Society, CARES, LCESC vocational programs, New Avenues to Independence, Unique Like Me, and Buckeye Industries. These experiences enabled students to recognize the advances in disabiility rights that have occurred in our community as well as the barriers that still exist to full inclusion. To learn more about this trip, please click here.
March 2013: Bobcats defeat Pirates in annual basketball game
The PHS boys and girls varsity basketball teams played host to the undefeated Broadmoor Bobcats on Monday, March 18th in the PHS competition gym. We are pleased to announce that the Bobcats won a nail biter, defeating the Pirates by just two points. Thanks to the PHS boys and girls basketball teams, cheerleaders, and PHS students for their participation and support. Thanks also to Mrs. Greig's students for preparing a delicious post-game luncheon.
February 2013: Course registration
Juniors at PHS interested in taking PSL during the 2013-14 school year must register by February 15th, 2013. For more info about PSL, please click here.
February 2013: PSL students embark on immigration plunge
On February 7th and 8th, seven PSL students took part in the 2nd annual immigration plunge. The purpose of this trip was to provide students with a variety of local perspectives on immigration so that they can better understand the reforms being considered at the national level. Students met with representatives from ICE, a local nursery, and non-profits that serves immigrants in our community.
January 2013: Roger Grein addresses PSL students
Roger Grein, the founder of Magnified Giving, spoke to the PSL classes on Jan. 4th. In 2012, he was named the Philanthropist of the Year by the Greater Cincinnati Association of Fundraising Professionals. He has donated $7 million to charitable causes over the course of his lifetime and now travels the country to inspire young people to become philanthropists themselves. Thanks to Roger's vision, this year's PSL class will be donating $1,500 to a local non-profit in the Spring of 2013.
December 2012: Holiday Food Drive
2012 was a record breaking year for the PHS holiday food drive. Second block classrooms donated a total of $1,695 and 2,342 pounds of food to the Perry Center. Moreover, PSL students rang the bell at IGA and collected an additional $989. The Perry Center provides assistance to families who live, work, or worship in Perry.
November 2012: Charter School Field Trip
Seven students from the PSL program traveled to Breakthrough Charter Schools on Thursday, November 15th, 2012 during the Education Reform learning module. The students had the opportunity to tour and observe at Citizens Academy, E-Prep, Village Prep, and the Intergenerational School.