SPHS Students Support Veterans And Active-Duty Servicemembers

Seniors Matthew Pollock and Sam Testerman led a group of Severna Park High School students to get involved in giving back to those who helped ensure American freedom.

Matthew and Sam led a team of four underclassmen to help spread awareness for active-duty service members, veterans and their families. Being a part of the SPHS Leadership Institute, these two Eagle Scouts wanted to give back to a community that gave so much to their families.

Matthew and Sam both come from families that were shaped through the military. Both of their fathers were in the United States Navy, Sam’s making a career within it while Matthew’s used the Navy to find where life could take him. After working to help veterans with prior leadership projects, they made the easy choice of helping veterans and their families.

The boys discovered Operation Second Chance while trying to find a smaller nonprofit that benefits active-duty servicemembers and veterans. Seeing they were relatively local, and that they truly backed their morals and goals, Matthew and Sam chose to work with them. After reaching out to Operation Second Chance and explaining what they had in mind for their project and how they wanted to help their organization, Matthew and Sam got working. Naming their project “Saving Saviors,” they created an Instagram page (@sphs.savingsaviors), reached out to family, friends and their community, opened a fundraising page, and much more. As of now they have raised over $400 and are currently collecting office supplies needed by Operation Second Chance.

Accrediting their progress to the SPHS Leadership Institute and their experience with the Boy Scouts of America, the boys have led their group to the best of their abilities.