IN Norwin Winter 2025 | Page 23

NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

Norwin Students Step Up to Support LocalFamilies

Norwin students demonstrated remarkable leadership and compassion this holiday season through a student-led initiative aimed at supporting local food pantries and families in need. Motivated by a desire to give back to their community, students from Norwin High School came together to provide resources for families experiencing food insecurity. Their efforts reflect the true spirit of service and the positive impact young leaders can have on the Norwin community.

This year, class officers from all four grade levels, Student Council officers, and Show Choir students( through their Norwin in Action initiative) decided to use proceeds raised from various fundraising activities, the Homecoming Dance, and the annual Homecoming Carnival— an event organized by class officers each fall featuring games, prizes, food trucks, and community fun— to support local food pantries.

In November, class officers visited Aldi in North Huntingdon for a $ 750 shopping trip benefiting the First Presbyterian Church food pantry in Irwin. Students loaded carts with essential items, transported the groceries to the pantry, and spent the morning unloading, stocking shelves, and preparing for distribution. Their efforts extended further as they donated $ 750 each to four additional local food banks— Norwin Christian Church, St. Agnes and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and First United Methodist Church. In some cases, students assisted with shopping; in others, pantries received funds directly to purchase what they needed most. Norwin Student Council also voted to match these donations.

To further support families during the holiday season, students donated thousands of dollars in Aldi gift cards throughout November and December, ensuring families had additional access to groceries during a challenging time of year.

Spirit and service were on full display during the weeklong high school food drive competition held December 8 – 12. Students and staff brought in hygiene products and non-perishable foods requested by local pantries. Participants earned points for their class and tickets for prize drawings, including a signed Evgeni Malkin jersey, Prom tickets, an Xbox, Kennywood Platinum Passes, Beats headphones, and a Kendra Scott jewelry set. While the prizes were exciting, the students’ impact on the Norwin community was even more meaningful.“ When I

called one of the food pantries to explain what the students wanted to do, the woman’ s voice began to quiver— just showing how much these pantries truly need the support,” shared Danae Martina-Brentzel, Junior Class Advisor.

Other student-led initiatives across the district also made a difference. Norwin Middle School SADD wrapped up its 21st Annual Food Drive, with homerooms competing to bring in the most donations for local families. The annual Knights Helping Knights clothing drive returned this year, collecting new and gently used shoes, coats, clothing, hats, and gloves for all ages. Hillcrest Student Council, alongside students and staff, organized a successful food drive for Tom’ s Turkeys, and Hahntown students contributed 32 boxes of food along with bags and baskets of household items.

What makes these efforts even more inspiring is their origin. Many initiatives began from casual conversations and a shared desire to help, proving that meaningful change can start with a small idea and dedicated hearts. Though these projects are still developing, students are already exploring ways to expand their impact, with hopes of supporting more families and strengthening the Norwin community in the years to come. Whether collecting food, sorting clothing, or supporting local pantries, Norwin students continue to demonstrate that even small acts of kindness can have a lasting, positive effect on the community they proudly call home.

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NORWIN SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

A Season of Giving, Community of Heart

What started as a small local effort grew into a holiday tradition that touched lives and reminded us all what community truly means.

As the holiday season began, the Norwin community once again came together to make a difference through The Christmas Family, a student- and community-focused initiative led by Mrs. Sara Colosimo, Hahntown Grade 4 Teacher. What began in 2019 as an idea to help local families during the holidays grew into something truly special. Each year, neighbors, friends, and community members join together to bring comfort, joy, and hope to families in the Norwin community.

Every“ Christmas Family” had its own story— and by its seventh year, the mission continued to support even more families in need. Each

$ 1,000 raised provided a full Christmas experience for one family— from gifts under the tree to the peace of mind that came from knowing their community cared. Last year, the effort helped eight families.

Sometimes, a family’ s needs were specific, and Mrs. Colosimo coordinated the collection of gifts for children based on their wish lists. Every contribution, big or small, made a difference— and together, those small acts of kindness added up to something extraordinary. This year, thanks to Mrs. Colosimo’ s leadership, the community showed once again what the true meaning of community looked like— neighbors coming together to lift each other up and bring joy where it was needed most.

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