By Noah Alatza
The Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation has selected Jennifer Suskovich as the 2017 recipient of the Zimmerman Moeller Student Fund.
Eight Hamilton Southeastern students studied philanthropy and administered a grant selection process. Suskovich’s proposal was chosen to engage students in the study of solar energy at the intermediate school.
Freedom Kolb, executive director of the Hamilton Southeastern Schools Foundation, said there are two goals for selecting teachers in need of additional monetary funds.
“There are multiple areas of funding teachers can apply for,” Kolb said. “This proposal went through our student education program. The two goals (HSSF) has to invest in include aiding teachers and education for students on the philanthropy process. This process is supervised by those eight students.”
Students in Suskovich’s class will begin using solar energy to power lights inside the classroom. Suskovich hopes students will design a system that eventually moves with the sun and provides the maximum amount of energy for the classroom.
The student-led philanthropy project was created in 2016 by Fishers City Councilmen Todd Zimmerman and Eric Moeller. Their intent is to provide high school students with real-world community service. Students work through dozens of real-world issues that also benefit local schools and educators. The process concludes with student leadership in the areas of marketing, communication, and project management.
“Combining community support, service learning and an investment in innovation is a win-win for our students and schools,” Kolb said. “I can’t think of a more unique or impactful partnership.”
