Milton Superintendent Eyes Prize Money for School Clubs

Although it is weeks away until a winner for Patch's Deck the House Contest is identified, Milton Schools Superintendent Mary Gormley has her eye on the $100,000 prize.

Gormley is counting on the Milton community to help put Milton Public Schools over the top by submitting a photo of a decorated house before December 26 and then voting for their favorite entry from Dec. 30 to Jan. 6 in Patch's Deck the House Contest.

 Should a Milton resident win the national home decorating contest, Gormley, with the support of the School Committee, plans to use the $100,000 prize money to defray the cost of clubs at and .

 “The money will help eliminate the fees for all clubs in the 2012-2013 school year,” said Gormley.

 Currently, Milton students pay a $50 fee per club, with nearly half the students  in the high and middle schools participating.

The clubs are an important part of high school life, giving students a chance to follow an interest more closely.

Madison Peltier, a freshman at Milton High, participates in the Latin Club and Marching Band.

"As a freshman, I get to meet kids from other grades," said Peltier. "The Latin Club went on a field trip recently to the Museum of Science to see the Pompei exhibit."

Senior Nancy Killoran is a vice president of the Gay-Straight Alliance and is also a member of the Milton After School Singers, Gospel Choir, Christmas Carolers, Percussion Ensemble and the Marching Band.  

Killoran has been active in many clubs during the course of her high school career.

The clubs round out your personality at the school, said Killoran.

"You know people in your classes and you know them because they are in your grade. Yet in a club, you know each other for your shared interests, for doing all the same things," she said.

Ian Kelley, a junior, is a member of  Jazz Combo, Film Club, and participated in the musical, “Footloose.”  

"Clubs are a big part of school life," Kelly said. "Students can start their own club, with the help of a teacher/sponsor."

Just in case you were wondering, Milton High School also has an Ultimate Frisbee Club.

Junior Peter Mulkern,  is a member of Ultimate Frisbee and was also in the musical, "Footloose." Mulkern is also in the Saxophone Quintet.

"I like having something to look forward during school," said Mulkern. "I've met a lot of people through my clubs. It's great knowing that you each have one thing in common."

Interested in entering Patch's Deck the House Contest? Enter here.