Giving Back to Our Future

Teri McCauley, Cranberry alumna and representative of the class of 1967, presents Lori Corbett, guidance counselor at Cranberry High School, with a donation for Cranberry Closet. (By Joe Gunn/Student contributor)

By BROOKE WHITLING
Student contributor

Nearly three years after their 50th high school reunion, the Cranberry High School class of 1967 has made a sizeable donation to the Cranberry Closet. Cranberry Closet is a program that began last spring. Created by Lori Corbett, one of the school’s guidance counselors, and the Cranberry C.A.R.E Team, Cranberry Closet strives to conveniently and anonymously provide necessities to students in need.

Teri McCauley, Cranberry alumna and representative of the class of 1967, traveled to the school to present Corbett with the donation. Comprised of sponsorships made at their 50th reunion, the contribution totaled $1,105.26. The development of this philanthropy was very important to the class, as graduates residing in California and Chicago also lent a hand.

When discussing the use of the funds, many options were explored. Because the alumni held diverse interests while attending Cranberry, the decision regarding which cause in the school would receive the gift was not an easy one. However, with the help of staff members, the group was informed about Cranberry Closet.

“We felt that it was one of the most beneficial things,” states McCauley.

The class of 1967, including McCauley, was surprised to find that students were willing to seek help and resources. By giving this donation, they felt that they could benefit the entire student body, not just one department.

Cranberry High School is overwhelmingly grateful for this generous donation, as it supports this fundamentally valued service. The provided funds will be used for the purchase of clothes, personal care items, including hygiene products, and shoes.

Corbett would like to thank the class of 1967 and acknowledge the importance of their gift: “We are very excited about this contribution, as it will help a lot of our students.”

Brooke Whitling and Joe Gunn are students at Cranberry High School and members of Cranberry Chronicles, the school’s journalism/publications class.