SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) – Who doesn’t love a little something sweet and a cup of coffee to kick off the morning?
For early morning voters at Nottingham High School, that pick-me-up was ready and waiting at 6 a.m.
On Election Day, the school’s Student Government Association welcomed voters with a table full of homemade baked goods and coffee, all while raising money for the class of 2028.
The proceeds go directly back to students, helping fund future activities like prom and community events.
For junior class president Jane Klivak, seeing the fundraiser come together makes all the preparation, and the early wakeup, worthwhile.
“My favorite part is probably seeing it when it’s all set up with all of the decorations and all the baked goods,” Klivak said. “I think it looks really nice.”
This is the second year Nottingham’s SGA has hosted the Election Day bake sale, and students are hoping to build on an already successful fundraiser.
Last year, the group brought in more than $800, making it one of the most profitable bake sales the students have held.
“Definitely the most we’ve made in a bake sale,” Klivak said.
But the fundraiser offers students more than just a way to bring in money.
Although they’re not old enough to cast a ballot themselves, working at the polling location gives them an early look at the democratic process and a chance to connect with their community.
Klivak says her involvement in SGA has also helped her develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
“It helps me connect with all the people in the community and to see some of the voting process,” Klivak said.
She’s also learned how to communicate with customers, sell products and organize events, which are skills she can carry with her long after Election Day.
They’ve got some time before they cast their first ballots, but Nottingham’s students aren’t waiting until they’re old enough to make an impact in their community.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT: Nottingham High School students hold Election Day bake sale
Sarah Turner: Election Day can be a long day for voters. And for those heading to the polls bright and early, a little caffeine and something sweet might make the morning a bit easier. At the Nottingham High School polling location, voters are greeted at the door by the school’s Student Government Association, along with a table full of homemade baked goods and coffee. Nottingham students showed up before most voters did this morning, and said that all of the baked goods are homemade. Jane Klivak, Nottingham’s junior class president, says the money raised from the bake sale will benefit the class of 2028, helping fund future activities like prom and community events. And for Klivak, one of the best parts is seeing all of the students’ hard work come together.
Jane Klivak: Probably seeing it when it’s all set up with all of the decorations and all the baked goods because I think it looks really nice.
Turner: This is the second year the SGA has hosted the Election Day fundraiser, and it’s already become one of the group’s most successful events. Last year, students raised more than $800, which made it one of their most profitable bake sales to date. The students behind the table may not be old enough to cast a ballot just yet, but Klivak says the event, and participating in SGA, still gives them a chance to take part in their community and learn about the democratic process.
Klivak: It helps me connect with all the people in the community and to see some of the voting process and talk to people and learn how to sell things and plan events.
Turner: They may have a bit more time before they can head to the polls themselves, but these Nottingham students are already finding ways to make their voices, and their efforts, don’t go unnoticed.