Williamsville Activity Night

Thursday, February 17, 2005

Williamsville South High School is one of five area high schools participating in a grant project with Upstate New York Transplant Services (UNYTS) called "Life Lessons."

Students in Michelle Anzalone's Youth Leadership Class organized an awareness campaign to teach their classmates, families, friends and community what they've learned about organ and tissue donation.  In early February, students and staff were challenged with a question or two about organ donation while bumping into a walking heart or tissue box.  The students incorporating UNYTS' "Pass It On" theme, also handed out cookies with organ donation facts.

Students also distributed fact sheets about donation, and asked classmates to take it home and have a family discussion.  The object is to have the parents sign the sheets indicating that they had the conversation, and then the student is entered into a drawing.

The campaign culminated Thursday, February 17, during the Williamsville Activity Night at Williamsville South High School.  The event, organized by South and East's entrepreneurship classes, consisted of games for young children, food and a silent auction.  Last year, the Activity Night raised $700.  Part of this years proceeds will benefit Ali's Rally.

"The students have really enjoyed working on this project, and have felt a close tie because of Alison since we started," Anzalone said.  "They have learned valuable lessons about real life careers and situations throughout the project, and are excited to see it all come together."

"Life Lessons" was designed to assist Western New York high school students in the establishment of a student-led organization focused on peer education.  The program includes presentations by donation experts and other professionals.

About 700 people attended the second annual activity night.  Ali's Rally will receive $600 of the proceeds from this event.