LOCAL FUNDRAISER PROVES SUCCESSFUL

This past Sunday, January 31st, an Italian dinner was held at Pierson High School to raise money for the students traveling to Italy this coming February. Hosted by the students themselves as well as parents and faculty members, the fundraiser was able to collect close to $5000 from ticket sales as well as other donations. Jennifer Houser, one of the parents who helped in organizing the event, said “Myself as well a few other mothers began the project in December and were determined to make this event as successful as we possibly could. Let’s just say I’m thrilled at the turn out but very happy that it is finally over.” Ms. Houser after contacting numerous restaurants in the local area was able to get 11 to contribute hefty portions of food for the dinner. Ms. Houser, also a decorator, offered her personal talents to help create an atmosphere similar to something seen in Italy.

When entering the cafeteria, where the dinner was held, it was very apparent the amount of work that went into perfecting it. Before even entering the room there was a coat check – very professional for a student run event. The tables were covered in red and white-checkered cloths –similar to something you would find in a New York Italian restaurant, Italian flags were hung from the ceiling, traditional Italian masks were covering the walls, and the waiters, or rather students, were all wearing a red handkerchief tied around their necks. Elizabeth Oldak and Luis J. Murillo, two current students at the High School, sang classic Italian songs (in Italian) while families enjoyed traditional Italian dishes. George Hoglund, currently a senior at Pierson, expressed his excitement over the dinner, and more importantly the upcoming trip: “I am very impressed with what was able to be done in the few months up to today. It’s really incredible what can be done with the right amount of determination. This trip will be amazing, and the fact that our families might be able to save a little money is even more amazing.”

Pierson High School is located in Sag Harbor, New York –a small town near the end of Long Island. What is important to note is the sense of community the town possesses. While a hot spot during the summer months, Sag Harbor has a significantly smaller population of people living in and around its area during the wintertime. Perhaps, it is because of this close nit community that events like “A Taste of Italy,” are able to be so successful. “While at times the winter can be tough,” one parent says, “it is the response and contributions of the local community that makes me happy I decided to raise a family here.”

The annual Italy trip is scheduled to leave on February 10th. Students and their chaperones will visit cities such as Florence, Venice and Rome, where they will be able to gain unique experiences involving art, history, literature, and of course food.