by Liam Ambrosino

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From the assembly of the sets to the final curtain call, Start 1 Spark Board member, Jim Zezza, and his wife, Karin, have been integral parts in transforming an idea into a tangible reality for students: turning students’ dreams into an unforgettable night for the students, families, and community. 

 

Jim and Karin were drawn to Start 1 Spark after being longtime advocates for youth development and having a history in coaching sports. Their background has led them to understand the importance of these formative years in students' lives.

 

"It was great to be involved with the other Start 1 Spark volunteers from the beginning, especially in creating the sets," Jim said. "The designs were put to good use, and it was fun to see how they came to life during the performance."

 

The couple contributed in a multitude of ways over the course of the production of The Seussification of Romeo and Juliet. From building the sets to serving dinner to students on opening night, their thankless and often difficult work did not go unnoticed. Their long term commitment also allowed them to observe the dedication of others in the community - the hard work and countless hours of teachers, parents, and staff culminate into one fantastically successful night.

 

"It was wonderful to be part of the whole process and to see the enthusiasm from all the volunteers," Karin said. "We also appreciated the opportunity to connect with the teachers and staff and to witness their contributions and investment in their students' development."

 

One of the most memorable moments from the experience was meeting the student actors before the big show. "They shared details about their characters, and some of the funny adaptations—like the high-five 'fake kiss'—made us laugh," Jim said. "It was exciting to watch their excitement grow as opening night approached."

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Jim hopes others will recognize that volunteering doesn't require a major commitment to make a meaningful difference. 

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"Small contributions from the volunteer community go a long way toward making these events successful," he said. "Middle school parents are often stretched thin, which creates meaningful opportunities for community volunteers to step in and play an active role."

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Through the dedication of volunteers like Jim and Karin, Start 1 Spark continues to create opportunities that allow students to discover and act upon new experiences and extracurricular interests.