The South Middle School student government sponsors a weeklong Cocoa Sale fundraising event each year—and this year’s Cocoa Sale raised $1,300. Proceeds from the event have been donated to the Harriet Miller Girls Empowerment Scholarship for the past few years.
Cups of cocoa were sold to students and staff for $1 in the main lobby before homeroom, according to faculty cosponsor/social studies teacher Jason D’Angelo, who said that for a second dollar, “students could purchase two peppermint candy cane sticks left over from the Candy Gram fundraiser.” Whipped cream for the cocoa was free for the asking. D’Angelo also explained that none of the money from the fundraiser is kept to cover material costs, with 100 percent of the proceeds donated to the scholarship.
“This year was our best year yet,” said D’Angelo. “We were able to give a donation that is $500 larger than last year.”
Social studies teacher Andrew DeSiano is South Middle’s other student government faculty cosponsor.
The Harriet Miller Scholarship was established in memory of South Middle School guidance counselor, Harriet Miller, who championed the importance of female empowerment. The scholarship is given to a graduating senior female at South High School who has demonstrated perseverance and tenacity despite socioeconomic and other environmental factors in pursuing her education.
