In honor of their final “first day” of high school, Belmont’s Class of 2027 is paying it forward.
Seniors at Belmont High School brought new and used backpacks filled with school supplies on the first day of school, Sept. 2, carrying on the annual drive to benefit Cradles to Crayons. The drive was organized by class officers.
“It’s a special tradition that we didn’t want to miss out on, and it’s just something that comes full circle, being able to give back as a senior,” said LeeLee Kozelian, the class secretary.
Cradles to Crayons is a Boston-based nonprofit that collects new and gently used children’s necessities for local families, including school supplies, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Last year, the organization provided 89,000 school supplies and almost 900,000 items of clothing and winter gear for children in need.
On the first day of school, students walked and biked up to the doors of Belmont High with bright backpacks that tapped into their own memories from growing up. Adorned with bags featuring characters ranging from Lilo and Stitch to Sesame Street, Belmont seniors highlighted their childhood favorites, ready to pass them along to a new generation for a fresh school year.
“It’s sad that it’s our last year, but I also think we also want to support younger kids by giving back to the community and be role models,” said Alina Shi, the class treasurer.
The backpack drive is just one of many events and activities the students will participate in throughout their senior year. From senior sunrise to prom, students said they’re excited for the year ahead and grateful for the student leaders that came before them.
“This senior year we want to continue to build off of that and really try to make the people that we looked up to proud, as well as be a good example and role model for the classes to come,” Kozelian said.
