For the past 21 years, the senior class, with the guidance of senior advisors and the Habitat for Humanity Leadership Board, teams up with Habitat for Humanity to collaborate on a service project.

This year, New Trier is partnering with the Habit for Humanity of Lake County to build two houses for families in need of a home. One will be located in Waukegan, where senior advisories will take excursions to help in its construction. The other will be constructed in the Philippines.

With these two expensive projects expected to launch in January of 2013, New Trier’s senior class will help raise money. The senior class’ ultimate goal is to raise $100,000 in order to buy the necessary materials and set up utilities within the houses.

The money raised is able to support a house in the Philippines since production and material costs are lower there. While the house in the Philippines will be funded by the money New Trier raises, New Trier students will only be taking part in the construction of the house in Waukegan.

In order to fundraise, the senior class will rely on several moneymakers that have been successful in past years.

These events are crucial to keeping the project alive. On Dec. 1 at 7p.m., Tom DeLuca, a hypnotist, will be at New Trier to put on his popular show. His performance will include 25-30 members of the audience picked live and on the spot. In addition, the Silent Auction will be held in the spring and the Winter Carnival in March has always been a lucrative fundraiser.

Senior Adviser Chair Chris Pearson hopes the events will be as successful this year as they have been in the past, saying, “We depend on the energy and enthusiasm of the senior class to help in the construction of the houses and also the New Trier students to participate in our events. We hope students can bring themselves and their friends to the Tom Deluca Show and the Winter Carnival. Not only is it a great time, but it also really helps out for a good cause.”

Along with the Tom Deluca Show and Winter Carnival, the Silent Auction also helps raise revenue for the senior class service project. Senior Adviser Chair Cindee Scott explained how student involvement in donations makes the success of the auction.

“Students in the past have made profound donations in the Silent Auction, and we really rely on these to help out with the service project. Last year we had a student donate a hockey stick signed by all the current Blackhawks players. We were ecstatic that she was able to donate such a valuable item, and we hope students can come up with some great donations this year as well.”

The Habitat for Humanity Leadership Board, composed of 5 seniors including John Friesen, Eliza Weaver, Sammy Ginsburg, Becca Holstein, and Cammie Shiele, is looking for the senior class to take a larger role in the projects ahead. Senior class leader John Friesen is pushing for seniors to take an active role not only in the upcoming fundraisers, but also for the construction.

“Seniors should motivate their peers to come to the events, and especially to go on the field trip for Habitat for Humanity. Every senior advisory is taking a one-day excursion to help build the house in Waukegan this year, and we need the help of the seniors to show up and help out. The seniors are going to be the work force for a family in need.”

Seniors will construct the foundational structure, painting, interior designing, and insulation. The homeowner also will take part in the construction, so senior advisories may be able to meet the family during their trip. The family is chosen by Habitat for Humanity from a long list of families that applied.

This year, the Alcantara family was chosen. Mrs. Alcantara has already greeted the senior class, when she spoke at the senior service assembly on Nov. 16.

Senior class leader Eliza Weaver noted that students will also get the chance to meet the family at the Winter Carnival, saying, “I and the rest of the Habitat Leadership Board will be at the Winter Carnival supervising, facilitating the booths, and preparing events. In addition, a couple of us will be giving the family a tour of New Trier.”

The senior class looks forward to all these events unfolding in their favor as the events approach. Scott further emphasized that seniors are fundamental in providing the family a home.
“We need the seniors to motivate themselves and their advisees to go on the field trip to the home in Waukegan. All the hours add up for the work students put in, and we know that they really are helping out the Alcantara family.”

Any student who has a question or an idea regarding the upcoming events and projects should see Senior Adviser Chairs Cindee Scott or Chris or contact any of the members of the Habitat for Humanity Leadership Board.