Press Release, North Branford Public Schools

NORTH BRANFORD - Being caring citizens who take action in their communities to help the lives of others is part of the mission of North Branford Public Schools (NBPS) and the vision of our graduates. Throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season, students participate in a number of community service and awareness campaigns to meet this goal.

Recently, students in NBPS participated in a "Hats for Hope" campaign to support the Tommy Fund for Childhood Cancer. Students raised money and awareness for this great cause and were unified in wearing hats to school to support childhood cancer. The Tommy Fund supports families whose children are undergoing cancer treatments at Smilow Cancer Center at Yale-New Haven Hospital, and they provide financial support so parents can take time off from work to tend to their child.

What many students and families in North Branford may not have known about this particular effort was that it was spearheaded by one of their own students. NBPS eighth grader and childhood cancer survivor, Nicolas Salvati, led the organization, communication, and efforts for this event.

Although Nicolas was the leader of this event, he preferred to be in the background and not make the campaign about him. However, through his leadership, over $1,000 was raised in the Hats for Hope 2022/2023 campaign.

Those close to the Salvati family will remember just a few years ago Nicolas was faced with battling cancer, and the Tommy Fund helped their family participate in his fight and triumph over cancer. Now as an eighth grader, Nicolas makes sure he does not forget those who helped him, and he makes it his mission to continue to give back to Smilow and all those that fight cancer day in and day out.

A visitor from the Tommy Fund came to his school to accept the donation and to thank him. Nicolas was so excited and happy to be able to give to this organization!

Nicolas is a wonderful example of the success in how programs like Hats for Hope directly help families and kids battling cancer. Further, Nicolas is a shining example of realizing the mission to be a caring citizen who gives back to the community and raises awareness for the betterment of others.

The entire community is so proud of Nicolas, and as a school community we thank our students and families for their generosity in giving to this great cause. During this Thanksgiving season, we are both grateful and thankful for our community and leaders like Nicolas Salvati.