Springdale High School program gives back, offers student social skills

Allegheny Valley School District administrators and teachers were able to enjoy a meal while giving to a good cause Wednesday afternoon.

The meal was a part of the Empty Bowls luncheon, “a grassroots movement by artists and crafts people in cities and towns around the world to raise money for food related charities to care for and feed the hungry in their communities,” according to the Empty Bowls website.

Springdale Jr.-Sr. High School’s Family Consumer Science Program and its Art Program teamed up to create the bowls and prep the meal.

More than 40 ceramic bowls featuring unique designs and shapes were on display for people to choose from. Foods served included desserts, salad and soup. The cost was $7 to enjoy a meal and keep the bowl afterward.

“We are hoping to raise $300 this year,” said Melissa Leger, family consumer science teacher.

The luncheon is held once a year in March. Allegheny Valley School District administrators and Springdale High School teachers are invited to attend. The program got its start when Leger started teaching at the high school in 2013.

The program has been a success for many staff members who have repeatedly returned for the luncheon.

Tina Kaczor, the technology systems coordinator, said the creativity of the luncheon with the various bowls the students make and their involvement is what she enjoys most.

“The food is always amazing, and the students are always proud,” she said. “It is heartwarming.”

Travis Aiken, a ninth grade English teacher, said the staff looks forward to attending the luncheon every year because of its concept and the food.

“I just love seeing the kids putting their energy into something worthwhile,” he said.

Proceeds raised from the luncheon are donated to the Lower Valley Community Food Bank.

In the past, the program has been able to raise about $400 a year, Leger said. Covid hindered the program’s progress the past two years. Last year, to-go bowls were available for administrators and staff to purchase.

School spokesperson Jan Zastawniak said that in addition to the luncheon, students volunteer to help out at the food bank on a monthly basis.

“They make a difference down there because they (the food bank) don’t have a lot of young people to help them with the heavy lifting,” she said.

Students involved in the program take different values and lessons from it.

Springdale High senior Emmett Jaronski previously helped out with a Christmas dinner. This was his first time helping with the luncheon.

“It’s a great life lesson to help people out, even if you don’t get money from it. It’s still good experience helping others,” he said.

Fellow senior Logan Dexter said it has been the most valuable class. This was his third year volunteering for the luncheon. The socialization aspect is what he gets out of volunteering, he said.

“It’s a fun experience, and you get a break from school to hang out with friends and help out,” Dexter said.

Springdale senior Autumn Sprouse made two ceramic bowls for the occasion. The project took her about two weeks to complete.

“It’s good to know it will stay here,” she said. “It’s like I am leaving a little piece of me with them.”