Senior Spotlight
A note from Ms. Johnson, Art Teacher & Empty Bowls Club Advisor at FHS
Empty Bowls has a long history at FHS, but for the last five years I have been the advisor of the club. Therefore, our 5th anniversary was an important moment for all of us because many of the seniors below are the first students to have spent four years in EB since it restarted. I cannot tell you how much I wanted to be at FHS on Thursday, May 7th the original date of our annual fundraiser to highlight their service and commitment to EB and our mission of raising awareness about the Franklin Food Pantry and food insecurity in our community.
Its important to note, that on Friday, March 13, 2020 as we each casually walked out of FHS we had no idea that everything was going to change. Since that day, the whole world had to find both a new normal and has contented with many unexpected issues connected to life, health, and work. However, we are panthers and panthers never quit so Empty Bowls reorganized under the amazing and unwavering leadership of Drew Conrad, President of EB.
Many club members and their families since the 13th have glazed boxes of bowls at home including the Atwood's, Brady’s, Chace’s, Conrad’s, D'Errico’s, Krantz’s, Masters', Scotland’s, Taylor’s, and Wilson's. Then, several students elected to work with clay making larger objects at home as well for the online auction. We did lose one piece in the kiln; sorry Mille!
In the end, EB and room 138, which is built upon the ideals of equity, diversity, and inclusion has worked towards fulfilling its mission of raising critical funds and awareness about food insecurity on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry. And its with the support of Dr. Ahern, Paul Peri, Bill Klements, Ryan Augusta, Beth Carter, the K - 12 art teachers, and finally, my partner in all of this, Amy Cataldo, Assistant Director of the Franklin Food Pantry....EB has been able to move forward!
Above all, it's the countless numbers of students who have spent their Monday afternoons working on the EB project that has made this moment. The best part of my week for the past five years are Monday afternoons where we have laughed, cried, celebrated birthdays, personal achievements, college acceptances, and above all graduation; the biggest milestone. While we all have had to modify our celebrations I can say, from the deepest part of my heart, these seniors below have changed EB and me for the better. They have left their mark and I am so proud to have been part of their journey at FHS. Congratulations to the class of 2020!
Drew Conrad - EB President 2018-19 & 2019-20
Being the President of the Empty Bowls Club over the last two years has been one of the greatest highlights of my high school career. When I first began as a student at FHS I was a very shy, reserved kid. I decided to try something new and join a club. Fast forward several years and now I can say, I have held multiple leadership positions, I am more confident and happy with who I am and in my life. Looking back as a senior, I've taken four years of ceramics, have acquired a wealth of knowledge and developed a love for clay. Being able to combine something I have a passion for and to create a positive and lasting impact on my community has shown me that there is something in this world for everyone. Ms. Johnson also played a huge impact on my role in EB. With her guidance, support and persistence we have created an amazing club, and memories to last a lifetime. It's truly stunning how much Empty Bowls has grown throughout the years and how it has helped me grow too! Finally, I'm so thankful to have been able to lead, shape, and now pass Empty Bowls onto the next group of FHS students!
Next year, I will be attending Alfred University pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a focus in ceramics, and a minor in art education.
Roxie Ficco - EB Vice President 2018-19 & 2019-20
Empty Bowls was a very rewarding experience for me because it wasn't just about making the bowls and having fun, it was about giving back and helping the Franklin community. My favorite thing about being a part of Empty Bowls was seeing how many people came to support the Food Pantry at our annual fundraiser. It always amazed me and helped me realize the positive impact Empty Bowls has. Finally, being able to work with Ms. Johnson the club advisor was important to me, she was always so passionate about getting students working with clay and doing everything she could to help the Food Pantry. The club would not have been as successful if it wasn't for her, and I will always be thankful for this amazing experience.
Next year, I plan to set-up an artist studio and work on establishing myself as a professional artist by making and selling artwork in person and online.
Breanna Atwood
Participating in Empty Bowls has been such a heartwarming and eye-opening experience for me. I've always loved giving back to those in need and just to my community as well. But there's a different sense of pride and accomplishment by participating in Empty Bowls because although some would just look at it as we're making ceramic bowls. There's the whole other side of it where the ceramic bowls are giving back to the community and supporting our Food Pantry so others are able to help the ones in need or provide for their families and themselves. Knowing that our participation leads to that result is the most heartwarming act and I'm so glad I've been able to be an Empty Bowls member and work closely with Ms. Johnson and other amazing students who are helping build this club.
Next year, I will be attending The University of Southern Maine where I will be majoring in Exercise Science and playing Division 3 Soccer.
Anna Bulkus
After taking ceramics my sophomore year, I was really interested in joining the Empty Bowls Club. Since that time, I have enjoyed giving back to the community by raising awareness about food insecurity on behalf of the Franklin Food Pantry. I will definitely miss EB next year, but I am excited to see what they will accomplish in the future!
Next year, I will be attending UMass Dartmouth where I will majoring in biology and I will also be playing soccer.
Isabel Capecci
Being in Empty Bowls was an incredible part of my high school experience. It gave me the opportunity to be creative while also helping those in need. Empty Bowls is an amazing club that helps our school but, more importantly our community as a whole. In the end, I am so thankful I got to be a part of it!
Next year, I will be attending Macalester College where I will be double majoring in international studies and political science. I will also be on their swim team as well.
Victoria Chiklis-EB Secretary 2018-19&Treasurer 2019-20
During the four years of my high school career, Empty Bowls has been a constant joy for me every Monday afternoon. Throughout the years, not only have we worked towards a great cause, but the whole club has built a strong family that I am sad to part with. For me, Empty Bowls started as just a club but led to so much more, it gave me a passion to work with my community and help those in need. I can not wait to see what the future holds for the Empty Bowls Club.
Next year, I will be attending Roger Williams University where I will be majoring in architecture.
Danielle D’Errico - EB Community Advisor 2019-20
For the last three years, I have enjoyed being a part of the Empty Bowls Club. I have loved helping to support the Franklin Food Pantry while making ceramic bowls with my friends. I am so grateful to have been a part of such a wonderful and positive club. It has an amazing impact on the community and helps to raise awareness that “somewhere, someone's bowl is empty.” I can’t wait to see how Empty Bowls progresses in the future!
Next year, I will be attending Endicott College and majoring in nursing.
Ryan Depaolo
Over the past four years, Empty Bowls has allowed me to use art to help those in need. I have absolutely loved being able to come together with my friends and make bowls together under the leadership of such amazing student leaders and Ms. Johnson, who is the best advisor you could ask for. Empty Bowls has helped to show me all the ways I can use my art to help others, and I will be forever grateful for this club!
Next year, I will be attending the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, pursuing a BFA in fashion design.
Allison Ivers - Social Media 2018-19 & 2019-20
I have been a member of Empty Bowls for the past four years. Being able to use my love of ceramics to support the Franklin Food Pantry has been a meaning experience for me. My favorite thing about EB is the camaraderie and having the opportunity to interact with our supportive community. I hope to continue my passion for ceramics and involvement in the community, but I will certainly miss the FHS Empty Bowls club.
Next year, I am attending the University of New Hampshire were I will be majoring in Business.
Sarah Jackson
I’ve been a part of the Empty Bowls Club for four years and it meant a lot to me. The ceramics classroom is a place where I found I could collaborate with others and have an affect on my own community in a positive way. I believe the work we do in Empty Bowls reaches far beyond the classroom at FHS and what we do is important for the Franklin community. I am so happy I have been an active member of EB and was able to participate in this club since freshman year!
Next year, I will be attending Syracuse University.
Courtney Loomis - EB Social Media 2018-19 & 2019-20
I have enjoyed being a part of the Empty Bowls club at FHS for the past four years! I have grown through this club and taken on leadership roles in helping with social media! Not only has it allowed me to help the community, but it has also let me develop my clay skills in such a welcoming environment. This club has brought me close to so many amazing artists and has taught me so much - and not just about how to make a pinch pot. This club has taught me to always be grateful, appreciative, and giving.
Next year, I plan on attending the University of Colorado Boulder as an elementary education major. Hopefully, some clay classes show up on my schedule!!!
Margot Masters
During my time at FHS, I have loved being a part of The Empty Bowls Club, it has been a great way for me to have fun with my friends as well as working to support The Franklin Food Pantry. I have also loved making bowls and learning about the different ways I can support my community.
Next year, I plan on attending University of Rhode Island to study elementary education in hopes of becoming an elementary school teacher!
Chloe Naff
I heard about Empty Bowls from a friend that was in the club and so I joined EB in my sophomore year at FHS. I have truly enjoyed every part of this club. I loved being able to make ceramics bowls while talking with my friends and helping the Franklin Food Pantry at the same time. I felt this work was an amazing way to spread the message that, "somewhere, someone's bowl is empty". I plan on continuing to support the Empty Bowls Club and the Food Pantry as I graduate from FHS and will try to come back for their annual fundraiser every year.
Next year, I plan on attending UMASS Dartmouth and I will be majoring in nursing and I will also be a member of their Honors Program.
Kelly McCormick
Joining the Empty Bowls Club made me feel like I was part of a community at FHS that was both safe and creative. I am proud to be a part of this group and our goal was to raise money and awareness about hunger in our community for the Franklin Food Pantry. I believe this is an issue that needs to be talked about more. As I graduate from FHS I can’t wait to hear about all the great work EB will do in the future!
Next year, I am attending Stonehill College and will be majoring in psychology with a double minor in speech pathology and dance.
Lauren Melville
For the past four years Empty Bowls was my home. Every Monday after school I knew I was making a difference. This club introduced me to so many people and friendships that I will be forever grateful for! In the end, the work Empty Bowls has accomplished is incredible. I am proud that this group of seniors who made a difference in both EB and at Franklin High School! I’ll miss everyone in Empty Bowls!
Next year, I will be attending Quinnipiac University and majoring in communications focusing on graphic design.
Katie McGuire
For the past four years, The Empty Bowls Club has allowed me to get involved in my community. It has given me the chance to have fun making bowls as well as giving back to those in need. While at FHS, I was on the varsity swim team and was co-captain for the 2019-2020 season.
Next year, I will be attending The University of New Hampshire and I plan on studying exercise science.
Kayla Palmer
I have been a part of the Empty Bowls Club all four years of my high school career. EB has allowed me to share my passion for ceramics while working on behalf of with the community to combat the hunger. I have loved getting to work with the Franklin Food Pantry and raise money for those in need!
Next year, I will be attending the University of Rhode Island.
Hanna Richardson
I am so grateful to have been part of the Empty Bowls Club during my time at Franklin High School. Empty Bowls was a way for me to express my creativity and passion for ceramics while also helping my community. I have enjoyed raising money for the Franklin Food Pantry as well as raising awareness for the hunger crisis in my community through my work in Empty Bowls. Empty Bowls was something I always looked forward to every week and I am proud to have participated in the club.
In the fall, I will be attending Villanova University with a major in business.
Samantha Robillard
As a member of Empty Bowls club for the past four years, I can honestly say, I have learned so much. I was taught how to construct and glaze ceramics bowls, but I also learned about the importance of community; the Franklin community. Year after year, it has been amazing to see the effort this club put into its yearly events and annual fundraiser. It’s truly inspiring to see all of our hard work being put into such a good cause. I wouldn’t trade this experience for the world! Thank you EB:)
Next year, I will be attending Hofstra University where I will be majoring in business and dance.
Olivia Rondeau
Empty Bowls has given me the opportunity to help the Franklin Food pantry who serves this community. This club has raised funds and awareness through the hard work of club members who organize the end of the year dinner and silent auction pieces. Being part of Empty Bowls has allowed me to play a larger part in helping raise awareness for the Food Pantry as well as food insecurity here in Franklin.
Next year, I will be attending Saint Anselm College where I hope to expand on my experiences with Empty Bowls as I become involved with service learning.
Sarah Spanek
Before I even stepped into Franklin High School as a freshman I knew Empty Bowls was a club I wanted to do. The reason being is I love using my passion for art to help serve the community. It’s amazing to see the club come together with one common goal year after year and watch the community and students work together to raise awareness about food insecurity.
Next year, I will be attending Connecticut College where I will be majoring in neuroscience on the track to premed.
Megan Torrey - EB Community Advisor 2019-20
I am very thankful for being a part of the Empty Bowls mission at FHS for four years because my experience as a member has allowed me to discover my passion for community service and helping others. Also, my experience has taught me to always support and advocate for those in need and to remember the impact of serving others in local communities.
Next year, I plan on attending Stonehill College as an elementary education and psychology major.
Emily Vinson
I am so grateful to have been a part of the Empty Bowls club for 3 years. I have learned so much about the hunger crisis in local communities, including my own, and have enjoyed raising money and awareness for this pressing issue. Especially in times like this, it’s clear that hunger affects so many people. I am glad to have had some part in helping to solve this issue in my community along with the assistance of Ms. Johnson, the Empty Bowls Club, the Franklin Food Pantry, and the generous members of the community.
In the fall, I will be going to Providence College. I am so excited to take this next step to my future!