SHS Junior class holds fundraising concert
Youth. Sparta High School held a student-run concert to support classmate Melanie Didomizio as she battles cancer.
| 14 Dec 2019 | 10:19
From left: Cole Luizzo, Andrew Venizelos, Evin Muse (Dollerie), Thomas Dean, Alex Fontes, and Kyle Neuwirth.
From Left: Jedidiah Ojo, Mattew Charleston, Evin Muse, Jordan Palmer, and Jason Collis"
Junior and senior band "Night by the Streetlight" with Lorenzo Rendina, Michael Caruso, Kae Degiovanni and Luke Simmons.
From left: The band "In Step" consists of Remi Coleman, Ryan McCellen, Gavin Denmead, Anthony Lang, and Julia Kadar.
From left: Luke Simmons, Tessa Gori, Alivia Winslow, and Rachel Young.
Sparta High School held a student-run concert on Nov. 23. The intent was to raise funds for classmate Melanie Didomizio who has been battling cancer for several years. A total of $2,000 was raised.
The President and Vice President of the Class of 2021, Thomas Dean and Andrew Venizelos, brainstormed the idea for the concert early last year. They felt it was important to work hold summertime meetings with the school administration to present, revise, and ultimately the stamp of approval for the idea.
Upon approval, the entirety of Junior Class Student Council Senators set the wheels in motion by selling tickets, working on concert logistics, and attending after school meetings.
Venizelos noted that one of the easiest parts of executing the event was finding students to perform because everyone was so eager to help their classmate. Performances included bands such as In-Step Music, Night by the Streetlight, and singers Rachel Young, Tessa Gori, Alivia Winslow, Jason Collis, and Jordan Palmer. The featured performer of the night was rapper Evin Muse, also known by his stage name, Dollerie. Evin “Dollerie” performed seven original songs and was well received by an enthusiastic crowd. Evin relates well to what Melanie is experiencing, as he also battled a similar form of cancer when he was younger.
Dean emphasized that this concert could not have been such success without the dedication of all the student council senators who put in long hours of collaboration. Kyle Neuwirth donated his time to handle the lighting. Cole Luizzo helped make sure the concert went smoothly backstage, and Alex Fontes, the Junior Class Secretary, served as emcee. Thomas noted that the support of the school administrators, student council advisers, and custodial staff was integral to the success of the event. The Junior Class Student Council thanked administrators for having an open mind when presented with this unique fundraising event and eagerness to host another fundraising concert for Mel in the Spring. The Junior student council is also grateful to Principal Ronnie Spring, Vice Principal Jamie Barker, Supervisor of Co-Curriculars Steven Stoner, Junior Class Advisor Dana Miller and Co-Curricular Administrative Assistant Paula Sclafani for continuous support.