Students Acting to Make a Difference Raises Money for Charity

Photo Taken By: Clifford J Berger

Students Acting to Make a Difference (SAMD) is a performance group at Needham High School that produces a musical every fall to benefit a chosen charity. The group is run “behind the scenes” by a student board of directors (Julia Chase, President; Isabel Dirks, Vice President; Jackson Megar, Treasurer; Meredith Saunders, Secretary; Rosie McLaughlin, Sydney Fallon, Kenneth Crossman, Shoshana Cohen, Sara Kates; Members-At-Large).

Last fall, SAMD put on the musical Fame, which addressed many important themes, including the topic of substance abuse, as the character Carmen tragically dies of an overdose during Act II. As a cast, they decided to connect this theme to their chosen charity, Sage House, to which the proceeds from the show would go towards. Sage House is a residential treatment center in Framingham for those struggling with substance abuse and their families.

On Thursday, September 28th, the student board had the pleasure of touring Sage House and meeting some of its residents, as well as one of the directors of the program. Hearing the emotional stories was very powerful for the group of high school students to hear. The experience was truly life changing and showed them firsthand where all of their hard work will be going to.

This October, SAMD will be performing the musical Grease! Proceeds will benefit ‘Strong Women, Strong Girls’, a charity that provides training for female role models to mentor younger girls. The performances will be held on October 27th, 28th, and 29th at the Newman Elementary School Auditorium. Friday and Saturday will be at 7:00pm and Sunday will be at 2:00pm. Doors open half an hour prior to the show. For more information, including ticket order forms, please visit tinyurl.com/samd2017. Tickets are $10. It is sure to be a fun-filled show!