“What does Bryant High
School possess that makes it so unique?” In a
survey conducted, 22 out of 30 students stated, “It is diverse.” Bryant High
School, located in the most diverse borough, Queens, is most definitely
inundated with diversity, but more importantly, it is embodied by the giving
spirit that Bryant students have to offer to help those in need.
Over
the past year, Bryant student body groups such as the Bryant Union, Arista,
Senior Class, Key Club, Greek Club, and Mediation have worked hard to create
fundraising events for those in need or to support a cause.
Ranging
from daily struggles to rare natural disasters, these groups took the
initiative to sponsor these fund-raisers in order to promote student
involvement and increase donations. The feedback that was received was “…beyond
surprising,” said Ms. Diaz-Toledo.
A
key aspect of this movement towards positive change is the Key Club at Bryant,
which currently has over 150 students. Key Clubbers help out at various charity
organizations, such as Making Strides against Breast Cancer, JDRF, and March of
Dimes. Key Club also managed to raise money for the Kiwanis Pediatric
Trauma Center
and assisted at soup kitchens.
The
Greek Club organized Teens for Jeans this year and successfully collected
approximately 200 jeans for children in need.
The
Bryant Union (BU) also contributed to many causes. This year, starting with the
City Harvest Canned-Food Drive, the BU received more than 13 large boxes filled
with canned and nonperishable foods. The BU also collected toys for
underprivileged children at orphanages. More recently, when the horrific
earthquake and tsunami ravaged Japan,
the BU managed to collect approximately $500. The BU also managed to hold two
successful blood drives that saved countless number of lives. Bryant also
contributed to the Penny Harvest by donating a total of $700. When the flood in
Pakistan
occurred, Bryant stepped in to raise over $1,000 (along with clothing).
Bryant’s
drive to help has allowed students and faculty to come
together for an honest cause. Diversity; something that
often separates people, has nonetheless transformed the Bryant community into a
supportive family.