Troy College & Career High School Collects books for Pontiac

Troy College & Career High School Collects 2,000 books for Pontiac Schools

As many people are looking forward to Thanksgiving, and reflect on all they are thankful for, the students at Troy College & Career High School took reflection one step further and walked the walk by organizing a book drive to benefit students in Pontiac Schools. “As one of our giving-back initiatives, our students gravitated toward this project and made real connections to the places we donated to,” said TCCHS teacher and advisor of Student Leadership Jason Garza.

Student Leadership planned different ways to solicit donations and sent fliers out across the district and to local businesses. Large containers were set up throughout the Niles Center (where TCCHS is housed) to accept donations from students, parents and visitors. Students even did a flier drop in several neighborhoods and returned to collect donated books. The result was over 2,000 books for P.E.A.C.E. Academy in Pontiac, many more than they expected.

Student Leadership member Austin Johnson participated for all of the right reasons, saying “I was a part of this for the joy of taking a step in helping some other students and schools who may not have as many resources as we do.” Morgan Cypher, another Student Leadership member agreed, saying “Students came to help, not for a reward, but to genuinely help others in the community.”

And the story doesn’t end here. Student Leaders from TCCHS will be traveling to P.E.A.C.E Academy on December 12, to work with students, and read out loud to them---creating a real personal connection to their charitable activities. Concluded Cypher, “This was our first project for Student Leadership. It is important to see how groups can work together and the efficiency of follow-through.” “I am excited to go read to the kids,” said Student Leadership member Lauren Baker. “They don’t get a lot of updated books and supplies, so these books will be new and exciting additions to their classrooms.” Stay tuned for excellence.

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Photo courtesy of Troy Schools: L to R: Austin Johnson, MacKenzie Malinowski, Adrian Rawls, Lauren Baker, Jordan Andrews, and advisor Jason Garza