Math club figures Halloween pumpkins make Hasbro kids happy

NORTH PROVIDENCE - High school Math Club members took time out from fun with equations to paint Halloween pumpkins for young patients at Hasbro Children's Hospital Thursday.

The artists' effort added up not only to meeting their community service requirements but to a feeling without substitute, said adviser Maria Branco.

"They were very touched by the idea that something they were doing for fun was going to cheer up a child who needs it the most," Branco said.

The after-school project in a classroom at the school coincided with day four of Spirit Week at the school on which students were encouraged to dress as their favorite character.

Alyssa Friedman, a freshman, dressed like Dorothy from "The Wizard of Oz."

"It is fun and it is a good cause," she said.

Minnie Mouse in the person of Alexa Quinterno, a senior, worked on a pumpkin at the desk in front of Dorothy.

"It's fun, and we get to go on a trip at the end of the year for doing it," she said. "Ah, but I really love math. And this is a good thing to do."

Alice in Wonderland sat nearby.

"I think it is fun, it's something to do after school that also contributes to good things," said Zoe Tsangarouli, a freshman.

The pumpkins were donated by Stop and Shop. They were decorated mathematically and signed NPHS, said Branco.

"This is a service learning project," Branco said. "As part of the graduation expectations for NPHS, one of the requirements is 'community service.' This project will help many students meet that graduation expectation. Many of them have already met it, but want to continue their community service. The math club students are dedicated and very enthusiastic about helping others, especially helping children at Hasbro."

The club numbers 85 with more joining every day, Branco said.

The club's two officers, Elizabeth Capraro and Giana Quinterno, organized the event, Branco said.

"They were responsible from the moment the idea was thought about all the way to the end, the cleaning up," Branco said. "They will also be delivering them to Hasbro Hospital (expected this week). This is one of many service projects the math club conducts throughout the year."

Capraro said the club members subtracted time from their after-school hours to add some happiness to someone else's day.

"We are trying to make their Halloween better," Capraro said about the project. "They are stuck inside, so we can bring some of the fun of Halloween to them."