Volunteer Council held its annual Spring Fling on April 6. The dance raised more than $2,000 for Autism Speaks, in honor of Anne Marie Murphy who died while protecting an autistic child at Sandy Hook Elementary School, as well as Children's Community School in Waterbury and the Waterbury Police Activity League.
The Volunteer Council organizes and hosts the event with aid from teachers and students.
"I sent out a survey before the dance and asked what people liked," said Emily Blanchard '13, who was one of the organizers. "An off-campus location vs on-campus, spring vs. winter, food vs. no food, etc., and used the feedback to plan the dance. It was nice because then when we came out with details on the dance, people felt like they were getting exactly what the wanted."
Amanda Roberts '16, who is also involved with the Volunteer Council, agreed.
"I had a great time! I liked how it was a low-key, spontaneous, no-pressure event," she said. "My friends and I had a lot of fun. And knowing that it all went toward a great cause made it even better. I think for next year though, it would be fun if they decorated the tables outside too. I had a little input in the planning, but in the future I would like to do more."
"Overall, I think things went really well," ageed Emily. "There was a huge turnout of people and a lot of positive energy within them," added Emily. "Everyone seemed active on the dance floor and enjoyed themselves with or without a date. Also, the food seemed to be a hit! It went as we planned that the food was mainly finger food, so you didn't have to sit down to a formal meal, but there were tables for the groups that wanted to sit down and take a break from dancing. I think the end result was more than we could've asked for. People seemed to get really into this dance, and afterwards I heard nothing but good things. I hope it becomes a tradition!"
The school has an ongoing relationship with Children's Community School and the Waterbury Police Activity League, both of which received grants from the student-run Red Rhino Foundation this year. Student volunteers also help out at both organizations throughout the school year.