The National Honors Society (NHS), founded in 1921, is one of the most widely known organizations for high school students, recognizing students who are not only exceptional in their academics but also demonstrate character and leadership abilities.
Students who are a part of the society in the first semester must complete a specific number of community service hours, and the following semester, they are required to participate in a project—either solo or with collaborators—that will bring positive change within the community.
Sophomores Charlotte Berliner, Elinor Donaghey, and Keira Celicourt’s NHS project has taken full swing, collaborating with MHS alumnus Abigail Morrison and her father, physics teacher Brian Morrison, to not only improve their existing “Supply Closet,” which provides help for students who do not have access to hygiene-related items, but to also expand their cause to the other middle schools in Malden.
“When brainstorming for our project, we were given three main guidelines: Touch, Move, and Inspire. Touch refers to making a meaningful impact on those we serve, Move is about involving others in our mission, and Inspire means ensuring the project can continue even after we’re gone,” Celicourt explained.
“We were three of the four sophomores who joined NHS this year, and we didn’t know many other members of the club. Once we found out about the team project, this group just made the most sense,” clarified Donaghey.
Berliner was the one behind the idea for the project, which involved refurbishing the existing closet. She “originally mentioned to Nora and Keira how important Mr. Morrison’s supply closet was to many kids in the high school,” collectively agreeing that they “would aim to help replenish the closet while trying to expand into the middle schools,” Berliner shared.
Abigail, who graduated last year, entrusted the three girls with continuing the legacy of the closet, letting them refurbish it and spread its influence to the middle schools.
The team worked with Beebe’s Principal, Dr. Kari-Ann Murphy, Vice Principal Justeen Franzese, and gym teacher Michael Nicholson. With the help of donations and support from the community, they were able to establish a closet in Nicholson’s office in the locker room.
The project is funded through donations from Malden’s community. The group has an Amazon wishlist and they receive many in-person donations, where many kind buyers have contributed to upholding the closets.
“The closet remains stocked thanks to the generous donations we receive, and every donation makes a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. We appreciate any and every donation and thank the community for their continuous support!” expressed Berliner.
For the entire week of March 31st, they are hosting a fundraiser at Pisa Pizza, where a percentage of takeout or dine-in will go toward raising money to restock the closet with new supplies. The team will be there in person on Wednesday, April 2nd, from 4-8 pm.
“I’m hopeful that our fundraiser at Pisa Pizza will not only help us expand our closets to more middle schools but also foster greater community involvement,” voiced Celicourt.
If you are in need of hygienic materials, you can visit the Supply Closet at B444 in Mr. Morrison’s room and follow their Instagram for more information at @supply_closetmhs.
