LETTER: Grafton High Senior Advocates For Children's Defense Fund

Dear Editor:

My name is Christopher Cuzzupe and I am currently a senior at Grafton Memorial Senior High School. This year, the English Department changed our curriculum. Among the changes were the addition of new collaborative projects, interactive lessons with technology, and new novels, all being relatable to any reader. Within the first few classes of the year, we read Michael Patrick MacDonald’s memoir, All Souls, the story of a family in South Boston. We learned about how Michael faces dangerous situations and goes through life changing events that shape his outlook on life in the crime ridden area of South Boston. It is a story that no one in our school would ever forget, as we all were so interested to see what would happen next. His life story was truly an inspiration for every senior that read it this past fall. We all participated in reflective activities such as tracing a character throughout the memoir, group presentations about the time period, as well as class discussions. These opportunities allowed every student to get involved and onboard, thinking beyond the intellectual benchmark. We all related our lives and experiences to this true tale, which created a powerful and positive influence throughout the school. The senior class would like to thank Mr. Michael Patrick MacDonald for sharing his life story, as he has taught us all how one can face the emotional hurdles in life that lead to tragedies, but never giving up, surviving to tell a  heartwarming tale.

I am writing this letter for a great cause. The English teachers at Grafton Memorial Senior High School have asked Mr. MacDonald come and to speak with the senior class. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It was a remarkable experience reading his memoir, as I personally have never been moved and changed before by literature. I know this experience will make every senior’s life better. If you are interested in donating a small amount of money toward our day, we will use the money for snacks or to supplement our donation to a charity near and dear to Michael Patrick MacDonald's heart, The Childrens' Defense Fund. Any donations are accepted and may be sent to:

Michael MacDonald Speaker Donations

c/o Mrs. Elizabeth Lambert

Grafton High School

24 Providence Road

Grafton, MA 01519

If you have any further questions or concerns, you can contact Mrs. Elizabeth Lambert by phone at (508) 839-5425.

On behalf of the Class of 2013, I would like to thank you for your generosity and for reading this letter.

Sincerely,

Christopher Cuzzupe