BTHS Reaches Out!

If you walked into Biotechnology High School on Friday, November 30th at 6:30- 8:30 pm, you would hear the melodious sounds of the music club’s annual Coffeehouse fundraiser. This year, it was a benefit concert for Hurricane Sandy victims. According to the BTHS website, the Music Club and the PSFA raised nearly five thousand dollars! Students from all grades came together to put on a great show. Instruments varied from the guitar and piano, to boom whackers, a percussion instrument. There was also a variety of genres played, including classical and pop.

"The Coffee House was a collaborative effort between the PSFA and the BTHS Music Club to raise money in support of Hurricane Sandy Relief. The evening was a great financial and artistic success with almost $5000 raised and performances that were truly memorable. A big thank-you goes out to the PSFA and to the officers and members of the club who participated. I couldn't have been prouder of the Music Club and the BTHS community for coming together the way it did,” Mr. Dannen, the advisor of the Music Club said. There were numerous raffles as well consisting of donations from BTHS families. Donations included two iPads were also auctioned off and many gift cards. Dr. Eno said, “I want to remind you that healing does not happen overnight. That to really heal from an event that was as catastrophic as Hurricane Sandy takes

time.”

By Emma Mueller

Hurricane Sandy-Devastating Losses

Hurricane Sandy, the superstorm that hit New Jersey on October 29^th, 2012, uprooted trees, knocked down power lines, and destroyed homes. Major flooding affected the tri- state area, along with many other areas along the coast. Billions of dollars will be spent to repair everything from schools to traffic lights, and fallen trees must be removed from the streets.

The most devastating damage, however, is the damage that cannot be repaired with money. The death toll from Hurricane Sandy continues to rise each day. As of November 3^rd, New Jersey reported 24 fatalities. Between the United States and Canada, the death toll has climbed to almost 100 people. Numerous individuals have died because of the extensive flooding. In some areas, the water completely covered homes. In one sad case, two children were swept away from their mother during the hurricane.

In addition to the major flooding, Hurricane Sandy also struck down power lines. Homes in the mid-Atlantic area have been without power for countless days, and the live wires have caused several electrocutions. It is important to avoid even the smallest puddle, for risk that an electrical current runs through the water.

People are slowly beginning to recover from Hurricane Sandy. Some of the power has been restored, and companies are in the process of repairing damage. Nevertheless, many individuals who lost their homes are currently in shelters with nowhere to go. Volunteers and donations of money, clothes, and food are needed. It is essential to help your friends, family, and even strangers heal from this catastrophic disaster. Please try your best to be supportive. If you were one of the lucky people who did not lose their home, do everything in your power to help others recover from Hurricane Sandy.  

Jenna Weingarten