Port Jervis students lead Daffodil Days sales
American Cancer Society recognizes National Honor Society as top fundraisers

Daffodil Days is one of the American Cancer Society's oldest and most popular fundraisers. Every spring, the Port Jervis High School National Honor Society and other groups around the country sell daffodils to help eliminate cancer as a life-threatening disease.
 

For the past four years, the Port Jervis High School National Honor Society has led the Daffodil Days fundraising effort in Orange County. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recognized the students' achievement this year by naming the National Honor Society the top selling group in Orange County. According to ACS Media Relations Director Paul McGee, the National Honor Society sells significantly more daffodils year-after-year than any other local group. "The National Honor Society has sold more than $11,000 worth of daffodils since 2004," noted McGee.

National Honor Society advisors Debra Cassara, Jim Santos, and Amy Hoverstock are proud the students have raised such a significant amount of money for the American Cancer Society. "While we ask each student to sell at least 10 daffodils, most students sell more since it's for such a good cause," said Santos.

This year's top seller, 11th grader Melissa Louis-Jacques sold $300 worth of daffodils. Not far behind were fellow 11th graders Domenick Zingaro and Kevin McDonald, whose plant sales both totaled more than $150.

Santos says this level of commitment echoes the National Honor Society's commitment to community service. In addition to raising money each year for the American Cancer Society and two High School scholarships, every member of the National Honor Society participates in four community service projects each marking period. These projects include volunteering after-school to tutor elementary school students and unloading more than 6,000 pounds of groceries every month at the local food pantry.