NSHS Students Look to Start a Conversation with Silence

Names: Sydney Voss-Kernan, Jonathan Kirshenbaum, Chloe Johnson, Ana Geltman, Nicky Gloria

Age: 14

School:

Accomplishments: Sydney, Jonathan, Chloe and Ana have spent this past year raising funds and awareness for less-fortunate children in the world. 

Last year they participated in a Vow of Silence (see photos), sold “bricks” to build a school in Kenya and spoke at various schools. So far, they have raised over $6,000 to build a school in Kenya through the charity organization Free the Children. Even Newton Mayor Setti Warren bought a $20 brick in support of this project.

Three of the students traveled to Masaai Mara, Kenya, where they had the opportunity to help with construction of the school by arduously mixing cement and laying bricks with their own hands. 

Now, they are planning this year’s upcoming Vow of Silence. This event raises awareness about children who are silenced by poverty, disease, and exploitation. These five students are inspiring all of Newton South to be quiet on November 30th.

Key to Awesomeness: They have a strong friendship bond, and they have a real collaborative spirit—there's no sense of competition among them. They staunchly believe in this African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go with others.”

Nomination information provided by Gisela Voss.

Do you know a Newton kid who has done something great recently? Nominate him/her for Newton Patch's Whiz Kid! .