When Bridgeport Middle School Principal Dave Mazza headed to the podium to speak Monday evening, the agenda listed a report as “fundraiser.” Considering it was listed on the agenda for Bridgeport City Council, the assumption by many was likely that a request for funds was going to be made.

 

In a very rare occurrence, perhaps a first, Mazza’s report on a “BMS Fundraiser” had nothing to do with requesting funds. Instead, Mazza along with members of his Student Council and staff were on hand to offer to provide fundraising to efforts utilized by the City of Bridgeport.

 

“One of my personal goals as the new principal at Bridgeport Middle School is to give back to the City of Bridgeport,” said Mazza. “They’ve been so supportive, the community has been so supportive, that we came together and figured it was time to give back.”

 

Mazza said he got with his student body leaders to determine just how they could do that. And as it turns out, they’ve already got a few things in the hopper ready to go and they’ll be raising funds throughout the year for various other projects.

 

“We came up with some ideas of what we can do to give back and we’re looking for my ideas and looking for areas to give,” said Mazza.

 

Mazza called upon Student Council President Ashton Nardella. Nardella then explained a couple of things set to take place.

 

The first will be a food drive, which Mazza said will be distributed to distribution points in Bridgeport and beyond if needed. The other event is one called “Socktober.” Mazza and Nardella explained that while many charitable organizations receive clothing donations, the one area where they lack is getting socks. In the month of October, BMS will do a drive to collect socks to give to organizations such as The Shepherd’s Corner.

 

“We’re also going to raise cash through events such as hat day. We’re going to allow students to pay a small fee for use of the marquee in front of the school to deliver messages, such as wishing someone a happy birthday,” said Mazza. “We’ll raise as much money as we can and we’ll go to the city to see what area where they think it can provide the most impact.”

 

For those thinking the money will be trivial. Mazza said an event such as “hat day,” where students and staff pay a fee such as $1 to wear a hat, can raise significant amounts of money.

 

“Something like that can see us raise more than $700 in a single day,” said Mazza. “We can save that money and then go to the city and ask them ‘how can we help you?’ It’s something I’m happy with and it’s something I think the kids are excited about.”

 

Council lauded Mazza and those with him for their idea of giving back. The effort is set to get under way at the school.

 

Also Monday, Council heard a presentation from Don Williams, the West Virginia Division of Highways District 4 Engineer. Williams has been making presentations throughout the District, which includes Harrison County, about the $1.6 billion “Road to Prosperity Bond” that voters will go to the polls to vote for or against Oct. 7.

 

If passed, District 4 would receive more than $450 million in projects. The proposal is part of Gov. Jim Justice’s platform that he believes is needed to improve the state’s infrastructure and the economy. At the end of the meeting, Council approved a resolution supporting the road bond amendment.

 

One of the highlights of the session was the recognition of Lt. M.J. “Mike” Lemley of the Bridgeport Police Department. Lemley recently graduated from the FBI National Academy, which is one of law enforcement’s most prestigious honors.

 

More on Lemley coming up later on Connect-Bridgeport. Prior to the regular session, Council held a work session where several topics were discussed, but no action was taken. The final 20 minutes of the session was in executive session to discuss matters pertaining to real estate.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows BMS Principal Dave Mazza with student Ashton Nardella, while members of the BMS Student Council listen to Mazza before calling Nardella to the podium. Don Williams of the WVDOH is shown in the third photo, while Council member John Wilson makes a point during Monday's executive session. Lowell Maxey is in the background.