As Student Council members, we're still catching our breath from the whirlwind that was the 2024 Connecticut Foodshare Benefit Fundraiser (CFBF). For six incredible weeks, we watched our Hopkins community transform into a powerhouse of giving, with an unprecedented 137 students joining our cause – nearly four times last year's participation!

Our fundraising strategy mixed the usual with creative twists. Our now-legendary waffle sales became the talk of campus, while events like our debate showcase and sustainable art sale brought fresh energy to the cause. Fellow students braved the winter weather to collect donations outside local businesses, while our virtual food drive continued to open new channels for giving.

We couldn't be prouder of the Class of 2025, who defied expectations by winning the grade-wide competition despite juggling college applications and rigorous academics. They've maintained an impressive winning streak in school competitions since 2019, and this victory feels especially sweet. Here are the full results:

12th Grade (Gryffindor) — 29.77%

9th Grade (Ravenclaw) — 19.44%

11th Grade (Slytherin) — 17.33%

10th Grade (Hufflepuff) — 16.67%

J School (House Elves) — 13.70%

“The work that Student Council put in behind the scenes was absolutely insane,” noted Alexander Skula during the wrap-up assembly, recognizing StuCo’s dedication. As class presidents and J School representatives, we – James, Terrell, Ashvin, Ellie, Miles, Teddy, Harper, and Maya – poured countless hours into making this event successful.

The results speak for themselves: six weekends of fundraising, three packed waffle sales, seven dynamic club events, and thousands of dollars raised for food-insecure Connecticut residents. This year's CFBF showed what the Hopkins community can achieve when we come together for a cause bigger than ourselves. Special congratulations to Andrew Keisman, our individual winner, who earned a well-deserved school store merchandise haul.

In what might be remembered as one of the most ambitious student productions in recent Hopkins history, the Class of 2025 somehow managed to pull off the impossible. While juggling college applications and the general chaos of senior year, our class came together to create “5 Golden Rings,” a collection of eight skits to the namesake Christmas song.

The weeks leading up to the performance were a flood of activity that showed just how committed everyone was to making this work. Seniors were found cramming rehearsals into every spare moment of H Block, while 40 people showed up at 7:30 AM multiple mornings to perfect the choreography for the final skit in the athletic center. On the day of the performance, some teachers voiced concerns when we still were not rehearsing an hour into the school day. But after three weeks of preparation – squeezing in rehearsals at every possible moment – we knew we were ready. The entire show came together in just two dress rehearsals, a testament to everyone's commitment and hard work behind the scenes.

What really set this year's performance apart wasn't just the clever writing or humor – it was the incredible level of collaboration among seniors during what's traditionally the most stressful time of our high school careers. “We're the best,” declared Kaitlyn Miller, and that confident energy carried through to the final performance. Despite looming college deadlines, countless seniors stepped up to write, perform, and support the production in ways that went far beyond what anyone expected. The creative team behind the skits reads like a who's who of senior talent: Sarah, Kaitlyn, all four Claires (Billings, Banks, Corwin, and Russell), Violet, Shreya, Ethan, Krish, Maggie, Nora, Julia, Saki, James, and Logan all contributed their unique voices and perspectives to create something truly special.

None of this would have been possible without James Liu, our intrepid class president, who somehow managed to coordinate this entire production while juggling his own college applications and regular student council duties. His leadership turned what could have been just another assembly into something our class will remember long after graduation. In a year when it would have been easy to let senior traditions slide, the Class of 2025 instead gave Hopkins five golden reasons to remember us – proving that even in the most stressful times, there's always room for creativity, laughter, and bringing our community together.

The Waste Subcommittee is also working on hosting a Winter Clothing Drive for Loaves and Fishes, a local New Haven Nonprofit Organization advocating for a more equitable and just food system in Greater New Haven. Look for donation bins that will be set up across campus!

The Sustainability Board is also working with the Hopkins Sustainable Creations Club to host a Sustainable Art Showcase with Daystar. This event will highlight creative projects made from recycled or upcycled materials. Stay tuned for the details and even ways to submit your own creation!

The Climate Action Subcommittee hosted a Succulent Planting event, planting Paperwhite Bulbs in reusable containers, promoting an eco-friendly way to brighten indoor spaces. All proceeds were donated to the New England Wind Fund, which empowers consumers and communities to accelerate a just transition to a zero-carbon world.

The Energy Subcommittee organized a Vegan Cookie Decorating activity, decorating cookies using plant-based ingredients while learning about the environmental benefits of choosing vegan options. Proceeds supported the Conservation Fund, which protects lands critical to climate solutions, sustainable economies, and vibrant communities.

The Natural Environment Subcommittee has been sharing trail camera photos of local wildlife and native plants on their Instagram account, @hopnat_en, and on-campus TVs in Upper Heath, Thompson, and Baldwin. These images aim to connect the community with the beauty of local ecosystems and inspire action to protect them. Be sure to check out the latest photos!

DIVBO raised money for the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) at the holiday fair with our cookie decorating station. Thank you to everyone who volunteered at the table and/or bought a cookie! 

 

● Collaboration with the IRIS Club Run for Run with Refugees Fundraiser
● RealTalk Collective Collaborations Initiative 

Maroon Key is leading a Penguin Plunge fundraiser for Special Olympics of CT, an organization that provides athletic events and medical care for athletes with intellectual disabilities. 

 

On the last day of exams, January 16, the Hopkins community will get the chance to plunge into the Hopkins pool for a pool party. We will have music, food, and a fun time! It is a chance to celebrate the end of the term while raising awareness for the Special Olympics and their work in our community. 

 

We are hoping to raise $1000, so please donate at whatever level you can to join the plunge:

Click here to make your donation. Students can also bring in cash and donate at our table during lunch.

History Club is a space for students who enjoy learning about the past in a relaxed and fun. We watch movies about history and talk about them after. It’s a great way to learn more about the past without feeling like school. We cover all kinds of topics, and the discussions are casual, so you can share your thoughts or just listen. If you like history or even just good stories, come hang out with us!! So far this year, we have watched a movie about The Christmas Truce of 1914 AND we had Crumbl Cookies.

Another activity that we are hosting soon is the History Bowl – a quiz competition where teams of students answer questions covering various historical topics.

Classroom Code: dkco3zz

Join us for the run for Run with Refugees 2025!

Together We Can Make a Difference.

Hopkins Students are organizing to support our local immigrant community—and we want YOU to be part of this powerful movement!

IRIS Club is collaborating with, The Student Diversity Board, and the Maroon Key Board, and we’re coming together to uplift and empower the New Haven community.

All are welcome—whether you’re running, volunteering, or fundraising. Your involvement matters! 

Get Involved!
For more information:

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@HopkinsIRISClub

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