The Innisfree Chapter at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School in South Florida was active throughout the 2022-2023 school year. One of the many service projects that touched the lives of those within the community was a holiday gift-giving for a local elementary school in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from a local elementary school were asked to create a “wish list” during the holiday season. This list included various wants and desires ranging from iPads to Xboxes.
As we were sifting through the student wish lists, another teacher and I noticed a list from a student who divulged her love of reading. The student scribbled on the wish list, “I want to read more books but have difficulty seeing.” After speaking with the student’s teacher, the teacher confirmed she noticed possible issues with the student’s sight. The classroom teacher delicately mentioned this to the student’s parents. The parents then informed the teacher they did not have the finances or insurance to get their daughter to an optometrist.
Through multiple conversations with the teacher and parents, I asked if I could contact an optometrist in the area. Dr. Vito Guario agreed to examine the student. Dr. Guario gave his time and talent to ensure the best care for this young person. Her parents made the appointment the second week of December and accompanied the student to the doctor’s visit. The family was overjoyed as she received an eye exam and was measured for two new pairs of glasses right before the holiday season! The student and parents were so excited that not only could she see, but also she could read all her favorite books.
The Chapter Project Grant from NEHS contributed to funding this project and many others. We were grateful that the Innisfree Chapter at Saint Thomas Aquinas High School and NEHS could positively impact this young reader and her family.
Kelly Piazza
Chapter Project Grant Recipient, 2023
Innisfree Chapter, Advisor
Saint Thomas Aquinas High School, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Chapter Project Grants
National English Honor Society Chapter Project Grants are designed to encourage local chapters to be innovative in developing projects that further the goals of the Society. The Society will award a limited number of grants each semester, of up to $200 each, to support local chapter activities that will be enhanced or made possible by the grant monies.
Any active chapter may apply. No chapter may submit more than one proposal in each semester; chapters receiving project grants may receive only one in an academic year. Projects must be organized and led by student members and must be endorsed and monitored by Chapter Advisors. Applications should be prepared by student members.
Project Grant applications for activities scheduled to take place during the spring 2024 semester will be accepted through October 10, 2023 11:59 CDT. Successful grant applicants will be announced by December 7, 2023.
Learn more: Chapter Project Grants
