From Nov. 11 to 15, the entire community participated in McDonald’s Week, an annual event run by the junior class that raises money for the homeless shelter, Austin Street. In order to create a great experience for students, the event required months of planning and a network of people helping. To accomplish this, juniors Samuel Bluementhal, Weston Chance and Dilan Koganti were elected to be the co-chairs of McDonald’s Week.

“I think the week went great,” Koganti said. “The junior class really came together really well. I think a lot of our events went really well. We were really on top of things. The car wash was a smash success. We got a great turnout from that, and throughout the week, we got a great turnout for most events.”

The planning process for McDonald’s Week began in July. After student council officers had elected the co-chairs, junior class sponsors GayMarie Vaughn and Bryan Boucher worked with them throughout the summer.

“We met and called several times during the summer,” Koganti said. “We also created all of the subcommittees and who would lead them. Additionally, we got on top of the video production very early.”

While McDonald’s Week was a success, several challenges arose throughout the preparations for the week.

“One big challenge we faced was reaching out to restaurants and businesses,” Koganti said. “I think also our organization was pretty lackluster during some things. For the most part though, we did pretty good.”

Considering McDonald’s Week is an annual tradition at the school, it’s hard for some grades to truly differentiate themselves from other years. This year, however, the junior class placed a huge emphasis on creating an inclusive experience for all grades.

“I loved it,” fifth grader Michael Ruggeri said. “It was really fun this year. I enjoyed the all-day day in particular. We went with our teachers, and I also enjoyed the theme this year.”

Not only was McDonald’s Week a fun experience for the school, but it also served a purpose by helping the less fortunate in the community. Because of all of the entertaining events scattered throughout the week ranging from dinners to a Lego building competition, students were truly immersed in the McDonald’s Week experience. Because of this blank participation, this year’s McDonald’s Week was the most successful in school history, earning more than $32,000.

“While most of the planning was very stressful, the fact that the week was very successful makes me feel very satisfied,” said Koganti. “I am grateful to our class sponsors, the entire junior class and all the people who showed up throughout the week or donated.”