Get to Know Us!
Who we are...
West Islip Thirst Project, the world's largest fundraising chapter of ThirstProject.org was started by high school teacher Paola Nilsen and her students in 2012. At the time, Twitter was becoming popular, and Paola began following actress and activist, Pauley Perrette who happened to sit on the Board of Directors for the Thirst Project, a non-profit organization in California and the largest youth-based charity whose mission is to provide access to clean water for people in developing countries.
After contacting Mr. Seth Maxwell, the CEO and founder of Thirst Project and learning that 100% of the money raised channels directly to funding wells, Paola was sold on the charity's vision and wanted to bring Thirst Project to West Islip. In the beginning, six dedicated students at West Islip High School helped count donated change on her classroom floor after school. Since those early years, attendance has increased to an average of 120-150 students each year. To date, West Islip has raised $165,141 to fund fresh water projects in Central America, Africa, and India. This translates to over 6,000 people worldwide who now have sustainable, clean-water sources thanks to the generosity of the West Islip community.
West Islip High School has been recognized over the years at the annual Thirst Gala held in Los Angeles. A feature of the Gala is the presentation of the Power of Youth Award bestowed in recognition of students’ exceptional efforts - West Islip has been honored four times in the past seven years. In 2013, Ms. Nilsen was honored with the Volunteer of the Year Award, and in July 2019, she and her students earned the Legacy Award for their consistent effort as the top fundraising school in the world.
In addition to their awards, students and parents from West Islip made the journey to Eswatini in southern Africa, where Thirst Project is focused on the effort to have the entire country gain access to clean water in this decade! Many of these West Islip residents seized the opportunity to witness, first-hand, the effect of their fund-raising energies and were able to visit and celebrate with hundreds of community members in Africa who now enjoy the sustainable borehole wells West Islip financed.
These water projects help stabilize the future for all who use them. Women and children, once forced to walk an average of 3.75 miles a day to a contaminated water source, now have the opportunity to further their education and seek employment! Clean water grows gardens and supports a more healthy and vibrant community.
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MEET OUR...
ADVISOR: Kristie Ferruzzi
It’s the year 2024, and 663 million people still do not have access to clean, safe, drinking water… HOW IS THAT POSSIBLE?! It’s time for change, and we can make that change!
My name is Kristie Ferruzzi, and for the past nine years I have been teaching Chemistry and Applied Forensics at West Islip High School. It was here that I learned about the global water crisis and everything The Thirst Project does to combat it; how students and individuals truly can make a difference.
I am both honored to be the club advisor for West Islip Thirst Project, a legacy that began here over ten years ago. Join us in our mission to double our impact in this club’s second decade! With your help, we can continue molding student-leaders and changing the world around us. 100% of donations go directly to building sustainable wells and bringing clean water to communities in need.
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CO-PRESIDENT: Krista Williams
Hi! My name is Krista Williams and I am a senior at West Islip High School. I am honored and excited to be one of this year’s Co-Presidents! I joined this group to help make a difference and fight to end the global water crisis. Since I joined this group, I’ve been able to understand the extent of the water crisis. By being honored in this position, I’ll be able to advocate for those in need of clean and fresh water, and help achieve big goals for this group!
CO-PRESIDENT: Kaitlyn Mahon
Hi! My name is Kaitlyn Mahon, I'm a senior at West Islip High School and I'm honored to be one of the co-presidents for the West Islip Thirst Project. I decided to join the Thirst Project as it's an amazing cause that makes a real impact on thousands of lives. I’m extremely grateful for this leadership role and opportunity to help others. I'm so excited to continue growing our program with this amazing group of people and help end the global water crisis!
SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING TEAM: Jessica Bernstein
Hi! My name is Jess Bernstein and I’m a senior at West Islip High School. I’m one of the Social Media/Marketing Officers. I joined the Thirst Project to play a role in giving communities access to safe and clean drinking water. Being able to be a part of this organization and make such a huge impact on someone else’s life is an amazing opportunity! I can’t wait to see what else we can all achieve together in the future for the West Islip Thirst Project!! Follow us on Instagram @withirstproject & Facebook @WIHSThirstProject in order to stay updated with events and achievements!
SOCIAL MEDIA/MARKETING TEAM: Isabella Treanor
Hi I’m Isabella Treanor and I’m a junior. I’m so excited to be a part of West Islip Thirst Project’s social media team. I’m glad I get the opportunity to spread awareness about the problem so many adults and children are struggling with daily. Water is so accessible to us that we don’t realize it’s not that easy for other people. I’m honored to get the chance to advertise events we will host throughout the year that will benefit people in need.
BUISNESS CHAIR: Mason Plouffé
Hi! My name is Mason Plouffé and I’m a senior at West Islip High School. I am the Business Chair for the West Islip Thirst Project chapter for the 2024-2025 school year. Knowing the history of this organization, I am so proud to get the chance to positively impact other people’s life’s. I can’t wait to be part of Thirst Project history. I am so excited and eager to work with such a great group for an extraordinary cause! Don’t forget to donate to change the world!
CO-PRESIDENT UNDERSTUDY: Austin Hayes
Hi! My name is Austin Hayes and I am a Junior at West Islip High School. I am so grateful to be one of this year’s Co-President understudies! I had initially joined the Thirst Project because of the sheer impact it has on people's lives. Especially because it regards something we use every day, water! I am so excited to see how we can change the world for the better. This experience has already taught me so much about the importance of giving back to the community. I can’t wait to work with everyone and make a real difference!!
CO-PRESIDENT UNDERSTUDY: Dana Shi
Hi, everyone! My name is Dana Shi and I’m a junior at the West Islip High School. I feel immensely fortunate to hold this leadership role and contribute to such a meaningful cause. I’m very excited to work alongside this incredible team and continue to expand our efforts. Advocating for clean water is a great honor and I'm eager to drive significant progress in ending the global water crisis. Your support means everything to us, so please join us in the fight!!