Senior Spotlight

Sydney Brady, President, Empty Bowls

Empty Bowls was initially a place where I could socialize with my friends after school and experiment with clay, however it became so much more. With ceramics classes not fitting into my schedule until senior year, I saw Empty Bowls as a place I could use the medium of clay to experiment. As Ms. Johnson explained throughout my first year of the club, we were not there to just use clay or make bowls, we have a greater purpose of supporting the Franklin Food Pantry and our community. Each bowl I have made symbolises a bowl I am helping to fill through the mission of the club.

Empty Bowls has connected me to the community and helped fulfill my passion for service. The opportunity to be the club’s President has allowed me to expand my leadership capabilities and think creatively, especially with the challenges of this year. I would like to credit Ms. Johnson, as she pushed me out of my comfort zone and encouraged me to get more involved with the leadership of Empty Bowls. Without Ms. Johnson spending countless hours in the classroom and supporting all of us, Empty Bowls would not be where it is today.

While I have loved using clay and working with my friends while making clay bowls, the club has shown me how much of an impact I, as an individual, can have on my community and organizations like the Franklin Food Pantry. While I will miss the club, I am excited to take the skills I developed while participating as well as my passion for service to the next chapter of my education.

Next year, I will be attending Hofstra University where I will be a student in the Honors College and running track.

Emma Owens, Vice President

Being a part of Empty Bowls has been such a positive aspect of my high school experience at FHS. Through EB, I have learned so much about the importance of helping your community and doing whatever you can to make a difference. I have also learned so much about art and ceramics as well. I can say, one of the best parts of Empty Bowls is making connections with other students through the club! I am so grateful for Empty Bowls and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

Next year, I will be attending Michigan State University.

Julia Bertone

During my time in Empty Bowls I enjoyed making ceramic pieces both bowls for the fundraiser and Silent Auction objects as well. I also feel that I have had a great opportunity to serve the Franklin community through this club. One of my favorite aspects of EB is meeting up with friends after school and working together to benefit The Franklin Food Pantry. Being involved in such an impactful club showed me the importance of helping those in need and giving back.

Next year, I will be attending Northeastern University where I will be majoring in Pharmacy and continuing my efforts to help others.

Emma Chase

I have enjoyed being part of the Empty Bowls Club throughout my time at Franklin High School! I am very proud to have been a part of this club that really helps to give back to the surrounding community. I have had so much fun coming into the ceramics classroom on Mondays and making bowls with my friends. It is really rewarding knowing that my participation in this club supports the Franklin Food Pantry. I am so thankful that I got to be a part of EB and will definitely miss it next year!

Next year, I will be attending the University of Delaware.

Bridget Flaherty

The Empty Bowls Club has given me a chance to further connect with my community and peers. The laughter, creativity, and camaraderie that fills the room is an environment that I will miss dearly. Not only have I been able to spend time with my friends, but it has also given me the chance to give back to the Franklin Food Pantry. This has been a rewarding and insightful way to give back through a creative outlet. Empty Bowls has given me an activity to brighten my Monday afternoons, it is an activity I am extremely grateful for and will remember for years to come.

Next year, I will be attending UMASS Amherst.

Caroline Gleavy

Empty Bowls has been an amazing club filled with endless social and creative opportunities. When I first joined the club freshman year with my friends I really didn’t think I would like it that much, since I was not artistic. As time went on and I became more connected to the club things began to change. I was able to try out different clay making techniques, work with many different glazes, and even participate in the Silent Auction as a senior. Therefore, its safe to say, I found my own groove.

Next year, I will be attending the University of New Hampshire.

Sydney Hawkins

Being a member of Empty Bowls throughout high school has been an invaluable experience. Combining art with giving back to the community is such a unique initiative that really makes this club special. I am so thankful for all the work Ms. Johnson and the club leaders do to run Empty Bowls and for all the friends I have made in Empty Bowls. I hope to continue to support the Franklin Food Pantry.

Next year, I will be attending MIT where I will be majoring in Bioengineering and playing lacrosse.

Rachel Hogan

Community service has been such a passion of mine throughout high school. This club was another outlet for me to give back to the community that has given me so many opportunities. I have been involved with the Franklin Food Pantry Food Elves for many years, and this club was another opportunity to help Franklin families. I will always be proud to be part of a club that has given so much. When I joined Empty Bowls, I always felt so welcomed by Ms. Johnson and fellow club members. This club was also an escape away from school and a place to be creative. I thoroughly enjoyed working with all those who have participated in the club over the years, and I will always be grateful for being part of EB.

Next year, I will be attending Simmons College where I will be studying physical therapy.

Sarah Krantz

What I love most about Empty Bowls is that I get to explore my creativity while giving back to those in need. As an artist, I typically work in 2D, but making ceramic bowls has taught me to look at art and the world in a new perspective. Art tells a story and in this case, the story of how Franklin residents can help fight the hunger in our community. Throughout my three years in this club, it's been such a pleasure meeting new people who share a common passion. The end-of-year fundraiser brings me great joy by seeing all our hard work come together to help our community!

Next year, I will be continuing my art journey at Mass Art. Although I will be majoring in animation, I look forward to experimenting in other art mediums as well.

Kimberly Marchese

Empty Bowls has been a lovely creative outlet for me. As someone who wasn’t able to fit in as many art classes into my schedule, I love having the opportunity to do ceramics and create something with my friends. The fact that these bowls also help the Franklin Food Pantry makes the activity that much more enjoyable, and I love being able to give back to the community in a unique way. I also love seeing so many people come after school to support a common cause and explore an artistic medium at the same time.

Next year, I will be attending Northeastern University where I will be studying environmental and sustainability sciences.

Katelynn Taylor

Being part of the Empty Bowls Club has been such an amazing part of my time in High School. I have always been passionate about helping others, and this club has given me such an incredible way to do just that. Through making pinched and coil bowls once a week as well as creating beautiful silent action items, we are able to put together one of Franklin High School's most important events of the year. Seeing all of the ceramic bowls laid out at the fundraiser surrounded by smiling faces, knowing that everything goes to support the Franklin Food Pantry, is really rewarding and showcases everything this club is about. I am so glad that I have had the opportunity to be a member of this club.

Next year, I will be attending Springfield College.

Emily Tattrie

Being in Empty Bowls has given me a much needed creative outlet in order to express myself. Stepping into the classroom and getting my hands on some clay or glaze immediately relaxes me. I am so grateful both for the artistic aspect of this club, but for the incredible fundraiser that we work towards throughout the year. It feels great to do something that I love that I know is helping other people. I am lucky that I joined this club sophomore year and would recommend it to any FHS student, regardless of artistic experience.

Next year, I will be attending Penn State.

Elizabeth Watson

The Empty Bowls club has provided me the great opportunity to do something I love with friends while supporting the community. Being able to make bowls, glaze them, and participate in the fundraiser has been wonderful. The club works so hard to raise money for the Franklin Food pantry. I love seeing how much this hard work from the club members and Ms. Johnson pays off. I’m so glad to have been a part of the Empty Bowls club!

Next year, I will be attending Merrimack College where I will be studying elementary education.