In this issue . . .
- HMHS Alums Helping Us Make Our Way Through the Pandemic
- Haddonfield Alumni Scholarship Winner
- Support Our Students: HMHS Drama Club Premieres Live Event June 4th, 7 pm
- Empty Bowls Project: Help Middle Schoolers Bring Closure to a Worthy Endeavor
HMHS Alums Helping Us Make Our Way Through the Pandemic.
Recently we have featured HMHS Alumni who are playing a pivotal role in the fight against COVID 19. Some are frontline doctors, nurses, and first responders. Others are attorneys and analysts who are contributing their knowledge and resources as we try to go forward in this still unknown world. We are grateful for the talents and gifts that they share with us and for the sacrifices that they willingly make. If you know of an alum who you would like us to recognize for their good work, please contact Joe Serico, [email protected]. Thanks.
Dr. Abigail Booker Cosgrove '04
 The emergency department has always been an incredibly special place. Its doors welcome an entire community in need of care no matter the time, the day, or ability to pay. As an emergency medicine physician practicing in St. Louis, MO, I am truly privileged to care for people during some of the most vulnerable times in their lives.
The COVID-19 pandemic brought forth its own set of challenges akin to desperately trying to learn how to sail a ship that had already left port. Early on, information regarding the natural history of the disease was strictly anecdotal, and the lack of evidence-based treatment guidelines was daunting to say the least. Furthermore, the sweeping system-wide changes that had to occur in order to accommodate a large influx of patients while keeping healthcare workers and non-COVID patients safe, were unprecedented. From arrival to the ER in an outdoor tent, to bedside interactions via iPads, to the opening of decentralized testing sites and post-discharge “COVID” hotels, the degree of ingenuity and speed of implementation was extraordinary.
It is the patients themselves, however, who continue to heal us through this uncertain time, often more so than we could ever heal them. They have shown incredible hope, strength, and resilience while being held hostage by a disease, in an unfamiliar place without any visitors. It is the patients and their families on the frontline of this pandemic, a constant reminder that what ultimately matters most is that we just be human first.
Mr. Andrew Jorgensen ‘02
 Andrew Jorgensen, the general director of Opera Theatre of St. Louis, had to cancel the company’s season; instead of just invoking force majeure, he and his board undertook a $500,000 challenge grant to pay all their artists 50 percent of what they would have earned. They met with a great response from foundations, companies and patrons.
When that initial goal was surpassed, Andrew said, “I took in how deep and clear the challenges were that COVID-19 was creating,” and he asked himself what else they could do “to support our artistic ecosystem.” The answer came quickly. Sixteen arts organizations, led by Andrew’s organization, Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, are working together to create a one-night-only online benefit concert to raise money for the Artist Relief Fund. This event, called Arts United STL, was streamed free to the public at 7pm central this Sunday, May 31 with performances from a range of organizations in St. Louis. We commend Andrew for his bold leadership on behalf of the Arts community of St. Louis. Click the link to learn more about Arts United STL and to support Andrew’s efforts.
Click here to learn more about Arts United STL
Haddonfield Alumni Scholarship Winner
 Antony Post is the 2020 winner of the Haddonfield Alumni Society Scholarship. Among Antony's accomplishments, he received the award for Outstanding Human Relations Service to the Community, served as President of the HMHS Thespian Troupe, Council Member for HMHS Tri M Music Honor Society, and Co Editor of the Bulldawg Bulletin. He also participated in the Drama Club and the Madrigals Choir. He will be attending Chapman University studying Film Studies/Production.
Outside of HMHS, Antony volunteered for the Katz JCC with a benefit concert for kids with special needs to go to summer camp and served as the Music/Theatre Specialist 9-12 at the Medford JCC camps.
Join Us for Places! At Home – A Live Theater Event
The HMHS Drama Club and Haddonfield Educational Trust (HET) are pleased to announce a "live" theater event: "Places! At Home". The program will feature solo and group performances of uplifting show tunes performed by current HMHS Drama Club students.
The show will air live at 7pm on Thursday, June 4th on the HMHS Drama YouTube page: tinyurl.com/placesathome
Admission is free. In lieu of tickets, viewers will be invited to donate to the HET's Auditorium Improvement Fund.
The HMHS Auditorium Improvement Fund is the latest fundraising initiative of the HET. The HMHS Auditorium Improvement Fund will support much needed improvements to the technical (sound and lighting systems) and physical (seating and staging) elements that high school performers rely on to produce high-quality events.
Incoming Superintendent Chuck Klaus said "The district truly appreciates the HET's support of the auditorium fundraising initiative. This important space provides our students a place to develop and their passion for the arts and share this passion with our community." HMHS Drama Club Director Matt DiDonato said "The students are really happy that the HET chose the auditorium as their next beneficiary. It reinforces the notion that the art created in this special space is valued by the community."
"Places! At Home" is the first of two fundraisers that the HET has planned to support the Auditorium Improvement Fund. A golf tournament is being planned for August 17, 2020 at Tavistock Country Club.
For more information or to donate to this cause, please visit www.haddonfieldeducationaltrust.org/donate
Empty Bowls Project
For the past two years, Haddonfield Middle School's art teacher, Erika Gehringer, has had her 7th and 8th grade students creating ceramic bowls. Inspired by the movement known as 'Empty Bowls' Mrs. Gehringer had hoped to host a fundraising event where the Haddonfield community could all enjoy a meal together using the bowls the students had created. All the money raised from the event would be donated to a food bank in the area. As you well know, the worldwide health crisis has put a stop to many events, including this one.
Not wanting the students’ hard work to go to waste, Mrs. Gehringer and Ms. Matozzo, HMS Principal, decided the project could continue with the mission of helping a local food bank, just in a slightly different way. What better time than now to help, when so many families are facing job and food insecurities? Haddonfield families still have the opportunity to purchase one or more of these one-of-a-kind bowls. Each bowl is selling for $5. Community members can purchase one or several, there is no limit, until supplies last. Donations are also being accepted.
Since a particular bowl cannot be guaranteed to be available, the team is distributing bowls on a first come-first serve basis. Details are forthcoming for safe pickup in concert with all COVID 19 precautions. Those not wishing to purchase a bowl, can still help by making a donation using the link provided.
www.hmsbowls.com
Reunion Planning and Class Organization
Are you tasked with communicating and organizing your class or reunion? Here you will find everything you need . . .
- Contact us if you are the primary contact for your Class to gain access to update the news, events, and pictures on your Class page, as well as to be able to send email blasts and create profiles. We already have contacts for many classes.
- You can also post a discussion about your reunion in the message boards (look for your Class forum) under Class Notes, Reunions and Get-Togethers.
So what are you waiting for? Start planning, organizing and sharing your event today!
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The Haddonfield Alumni Society (HAS) newsletter shares information about the alumni community and the continued good work in the Haddonfield public schools.
Update: Eighty-seven alumni are now listed as class coordinators to help get information out to you about reunions, events and news. If your profile doesn't have an agent icon, let us know to add you. 
