As March is coming up, seniors’ capstones are due. Capstones are opportunities for individuals to explore a passion or interest through a unique independent project. A few notable ones so far are Blankets for the Hospital, Sleeping Bags for the Homeless and Say Yes to the Dress.

Samantha Pagano´s project is crocheting blankets for the Waterbury Hospital Pediatrics Department. She was able to create 14 blankets. She bought the yarn herself from Dollar Tree spending around $5 for each blanket. Samantha shared her passion behind this project saying, “I had always wanted to learn how to crochet and I knew that this project would be a better way to improve my skills and create multiple of one specific thing.” These blankets were delivered to the hospital in mid-February. Samantha is very proud of this project, but she is most proud of  being able to create something that will help sick children.

Luke Acuna’s idea for his capstone began with his nine-year old brother’s concern for those who sleep outside during the winter and are unable to experience the warmth of a home. Luke heard this and decided to use his power to enact change for the community. He wanted to reduce cold-associated harm through donations of sleeping bags. The process started by opening a GoFundMe and speaking to civic organizations to sell concessions at local events. For example, at Night out on Main Street in August,  ultimately raising $3,000. With this he was able to purchase 200 high quality winter grade sleeping bags. After the bags were purchased, to ensure that they would make it to the hands of the homeless, Luke partnered with Wheeler Clinic and Hartford Police Officer Jim Barrett , donating 100 bags to each of them. The Wheeler Clinic is a health center with locations all across the state. Officer Barrett specializes in homeless outreach and is currently leading outreach initiatives in the capital cities. The 200 bags that he donated have safely reached those in need saving many lives. Luke is most proud of the  “Profounding impact that the project had. By keeping in touch with WheelerClinic and Officer Barrett, I have heard that my bags have not only been reaching unhoused adults through CT, but also young children and entire families who wander the streets at night to stay warm.¨

Aryana Nascimentos capstone is named “Say Yes to the Dress”. This project focuses on families with teen girls that cannot afford the extra expenses that come with prom. Due to social norms and mental health, these times of the year are tough and some girls cannot afford dresses. A prom dress can range from $100-$1,000.  That’s before the shoes, hair and makeup and whatever else the girls may need. Aryana says this inspired her and gave her a desire to want to help others. The process started with reaching out to her family and friends to see if they had any resources. At the same time, she used social media, local civic organizations, local businesses, and the school community to collect dresses. She has purchased clothing racks and other display items that will be used during the event. Girls will be able to walk through the gym to try on any dress, accessories and more. With this Aryana hopes that “I will be able to provide students with the opportunity to alleviate the financial burden of purchasing attire. I want it to be fun and a rewarding experience for them.” As of now, she has provided one dress to a student who will be attending prom in the spring. Aryana says “It makes me proud that I am able to help these girls thrice in their confidence. I am looking forward to the big event later this month where I can help more girls with their dreams of going to prom.”

These capstones benefited the community in many ways. Samantha used her crocheting skills to give blankets to the hospital, Luke used his strive for change to help the homeless and Aryana used her desire to help in providing free prom dresses and accessories.