Jupiter High’s Student Government Association aids residents of Puerto Rico

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Sela Keating

Junior Cressa Bronson colors and plays with the children at Hugar De Niños De Narzaret center. “This trip has not only made me a better person but has opened up a world of opportunity,” Bronson said.

Junior Student Government Association members Cressa Bronson, Adriana Melendez and Sela Keating traveled to Puerto Rico Nov. 1-3 to volunteer at Hugar De Niños De Narzaret.

Hugar De Niños De Narzaret is a center that takes in children who are homeless, abused or neglected and provides them a place to sleep, food and educational opportunities. Bronson raised $1500 to buy toys for kids at the center.

As Sergeant of Arms of Jupiter’s Student Government Association, Bronson was assigned a community service cause, or state project, for the year. She, along with her fellow leadership students, took on the responsibility to raise money and volunteer to help the cause. This year’s Florida Associations of Student Councils picked hurricane relief in Puerto Rico.

“I didn’t just want to do a clothing drive or send waters — I wanted to make a bigger impact,” Bronson said.

While in Puerto Rico, the students got the opportunity to interact with the children at the center. They bought them coloring books, crayons, markers, new bikes and helmets.

“My favorite part [of the trip] was definitely playing with the kids at the center because they don’t have anything or anyone that loves them, so they got very happy when they saw us,” Melendez said. “It was a really touching experience because you get to appreciate everything you have.”