October 19, the Pottsville Free Public Library hosted a dramatic retelling of The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Ellen Poe as a fundraiser. Students in the Drama Club who performed were seniors Rachel Rubright, Abby Schroding, Jessica Wensus, Alexa Biddle, Samirah Phillip-Johnson and Kaitlynn Cifolilli; juniors Tom Honicker and DeAnna Stevenson; sophomore Abigale Williams; and freshman Logan Gunoskey.

             “I greatly enjoyed doing The Tell-Tale Heart because I know that it was for a good cause. I love Poe, but I love helping out the community even more, even if we raised a small portion of the needed $5,000,” Rubright said.

Mrs. Sasha Moscovit, a former teacher of drama and the arts, organized the fundraiser, along with representatives of the Pottsville Free Public Library including Mr. Darren DeArment, the Youth Services Librarian, in order to raise money for the library and catch the eye of the community. Mr. DeArment contacted Mrs. Moscovit for help with their new idea.

At the performance, members of the community turned up to show their support for the Drama Club members.

“The point of the performance was to help raise funds and awareness for the Pottsville Free Public Library, a place many call a second home. Personally, the story shows to me that everyone has demons, and no matter how much you may love someone, you can still destroy them,” Williams said.

Mrs. Moscovitz was present at the play and observed her students from the sidelines as they acted out their parts.

“We’ve done things we could as far as Facebook, social media and so on. We also very much hope that the Republican Herald starts covering these events before they happen in order to gain promotions,” Mrs.  Moscovit said.

The library is facing issues with funding because of the school board cutting $55,000 that usually went to the Pottsville Free Public Library. The performance was meant to raise some of the money that was cut.

“All I know is that they [school board] had $55,000 usually and now they don’t. I’m sure it is the same reason everywhere, it’s shortages,” Mrs. Moscovit said.

Ms. Tiffany Reedy, school principal, was present at the school board meeting when the board decided to cut the library funding.

“In an effort to reduce expenses, the school board voted to discontinue its donation to the Pottsville Free Public Library. The board debated many avenues to cut costs this summer, so I doubt that they will reconsider their decision,” Ms. Reedy said.

At the fundraiser, the goal of the night was to bring in 50 people and raise $250. Forty-three people attended, bringing in $215 for the night. The library will continue to host only if more people come in. However, the fundraiser did almost reach its goal, and the attendees at the event applauded for the students’ performance.

“You guys [drama club] are awesome! I was very impressed because they are very professional, and especially that they take the time to practice and help us out.”—Mr. DeArment said.