Shaker Heights, Ohio (PRWEB) February 09, 2016 -- With a goal of making three bowls each, the 8th graders at University School, an all-boys private school in Shaker Heights, hoped to change the world around them. Since Thanksgiving, the boys had worked to learn the art of pottery. The bowls were sold at the Jan. 21 Empty Bowls charity event, and each empty bowl served as a reminder of those who live hungry every day. All proceeds from the event benefitted the Cleveland Food Bank.
"The empty bowl serves as a reminder that there are people in our community whose bowls are empty all year long," said art teacher Brooke Littman, who is leading the initiative. "The event is designed to show our emerging adults that what they do in school matters. A 13 year old is capable of affecting social change through the work done in the classroom."
The idea for the event came from a similar project with origins in Michigan during the 1990s. Each of the 86 students worked diligently through every step of the process, from clay molding and working to the technical skills involved in using the pottery wheel, kiln baking and glazing.
Proceeds from bake sales also supplemented the charity donations. These delectable treats were created at home and then brought to the school for purchase. The all-boys private school has a focus on community involvement and requires each student to complete four hours of on-campus service and two hours of off-campus service annually. Many of the boys have worked at the Cleveland Food Bank in the past, so they had first-hand knowledge of the population served and the need for more funds.
The community at large was welcomed to the event. It was a powerful evening that will not soon be forgotten by those in attendance.
University School, with campuses in Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley, OH was established in 1890 as a K-12 all-boys private school to serve the greater Cleveland area. With small classes, above average SAT scores and 100 percent college attendance rate after graduation, the school is known for molding and preparing the next generation of American leaders and thinkers.
Sue Schervish, University School, http://www.us.edu, +1 (216) 831 - 1984 Ext: 7399, [email protected]
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