Summer 2017

NORTHVILLE HIGH SCHOOL Middle Years Program Newsletter: Focus on Personal Project Sophomore students recently completed the Personal Project, an optional, student-driven exploration into a topic of the student’s choice. Students celebrated their accomplishments on May 15 and also presented their projects to a panel of judges.

Natalie Corrigan Topic: Clefs for Clefts What was your project: I created a benefit concert of classical vocal performances to raise money for Operation Smile, an organization that helps children born with a cleft. How did you feel about your final product: I am very proud. I raised a total of $4000, of which all went to Operation Smile. With this amount, my community and I were able to provide 16 surgeries for those who could not afford it.

Madilynn Cadaret Topic: Special Effects Make-up Why did you choose your topic: I chose my topic because a passion of mine has always been artistry and exploring new and creative ways to express my style...and I guess I ran out of canvases one day, so I decided to become one myself! What advice would you give: I would tell them to chase something to which they truly feel a connection. Take the opportunity seriously, because if you do as I did, I promise that you will wind up with an end product of which you will be proud.

Above: Cadaret spent six and a half hours creating a full body special effects project.

“Students should all consider the Personal Project. It allows students creativity and freedom to study what they love. It gives students real world, applicable skills. The sense of accomplishment that students get after completing a project of this scope is amazing.” -Melanie Korczyk, Teacher and Mentor

Sofia Urban Topic: Charity Yoga Event Why did you choose your topic: I made sure that I stuck to ideas that excited me and that I would continue to be passionate about during the process of completing the project. For me, fundraising, yoga, and the Children's Foundation are all things that I know will hold my interest and that I enjoy immensely.

Alyssa Mayer Topic: Duffle Bags for Foster Children Why did you choose your topic: I chose my topic after reading a story about a young boy who left his home with no supplies. His parents were upset he was leaving them, even though it was not his choice, and they didn't allow him to take any of his clothes or supplies. I felt so terrible for this child and so upset knowing that there are thousands of children that go through the same thing. How did you feel about your final product: I surpassed my goal (to raise 1,000 dollars and make 35 Above: Mayer organizes the 50 bags for foster children. duffle bags) by raising $1,765 dollars and making 50 duffle bags instead. I made sure the bags and supplies were great quality and would last the children for a long time.