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NHS CAP Club Online Auction Closed, Fundraising Concluded

By Shannon Hicks

Published: Jun 13, 2026 8:00 am

An online silent auction recently concluded the Newtown High School College Application Prep (CAP) Club 2025-26 fundraising efforts.

Readers were invited to bid on ten items by local and regional artists through a Zeffy.com campaign, which ensured all funds through the online bidding went to the high school club and its student-funded scholarship. The online auction was presented May 26-June 5, with the lots ranging from original paintings and photography to autographed prints and a shadow box collection of ceramic pieces.

The auction was a fundraiser for the NHS-based club and its Behind The Scenes Scholarship, the first student-funded scholarship at Newtown High School.

The silent auction was also a continuation of a live event hosted at The Budd House Barn on May 17 that raised funds toward a scholarship that was recently awarded to an NHS student. The live event last month raised $4,500, according to event organizer, CAP Club founder, and Newtown High School senior Claire DiNoto.

While the original plan was to raise $5,000 and present two $2,500 scholarships this month, DiNoto told The Newtown Bee in May that the club “will be awarding one scholarship and the extra money will be used to keep momentum going for next year.”

The total of funds raised through the online auction was not shared with The Newtown Bee before this week’s deadline.

The 2026 Behind the Scenes Scholarship was presented to Kesslyn Alvarez during the NHS Awards Ceremony on Thursday, May 28.

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Managing Editor Shannon Hicks can be reached at shannon@thebee.com.

Newtown High School CAP Club Founder Claire DiNoto (left) presented the $2,500 NHS CAP Club Behind the Scenes Scholarship to fellow NHS senior Kesslyn Alvarez. Additional funds raised during recent fundraising efforts will serve as seed money toward future scholarships, according to DiNoto. —photo courtesy Claire DiNoto

An online silent auction recently concluded the Newtown High School College Application Prep Club 2025-26 fundraising efforts.

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The Way We Were

Well said. Unfortunately, we are back to more of the same and we know how this will end. However, it gives us an opportunity to question many ways in which the DTC failed residents, voters, candidates, everyone. Brandon Moore was the first candidate to voice interest in running. A strong and well prepared candidate that the town republicans did not want to run against. They made it clear they wanted Ku to be the candidate. We all know you endorse the candidate you have no concerns about. Once Ku decided to try to unseat Bolinsky again, the DTC should have done what it can do and that was choose a candidate or put a good process in place to set up forums and get the caucus over and done smoothly, fairly, and ethically. It did neither. and this is what resulted: The Young Dem Debate became a Ku strategy to claim Ku being victimized, and it backfired; Ku's previous campaign committee went with Brandon Moore in hopes of finally flipping the seat; the DTC delay in organizing any candidate forums led to an inability to get the information out to all (as we see in complaints from new residents regarding lack of information); the DTC was severely split by the caucus chaos and some did not fully participate as a result; and we are back to square one with the candidate Alex Villamil preferred, and the same old guard and the same chance of flipping the seat.

Brandon Moore vs. More of the Same

Wholeheartedly agree with your concerns. There were many troubling issues raised about access to the democratic caucus process.

Democratic Caucus — Tremendous Turnout Meets Poor Planning

Welcome and thank you for your insightfulness. I agree wholeheartedly, however, you will soon learn that the intention is to contain participation. I believe the new residents and the new families are invaluable and hope that you will attend a DTC meeting. You will learn a great deal. Second Thursday of the Month and tonight, June 11th, 7 pm, it is at the Edmond Town Hall. : )

Connecting The Vote In Today’s Age

Mr. Ackert’s letter leaves out an important point: many of the legal expenses he references exist because of the legal challenges and complaints he and his facebook group has chosen to pursue. It is not fair to blame the Borough Zoning Commission Chair for costs that were driven, in large part, by Mr. Ackert’s own actions. Taxpayers should understand that litigation and FOIA complaints do not appear out of nowhere. They are initiated by individuals who decide to take those matters forward. Public officials should absolutely be held accountable, and the Borough should follow proper procedures at all times. But accountability should run both ways. If someone repeatedly challenges the Borough through legal channels, then points to the resulting legal bills as proof of poor leadership, the public deserves that context. Reasonable people can disagree about zoning decisions, development, and procedure. However, turning every disagreement into a legal fight has consequences, and those consequences are paid for by Borough taxpayers. Before assigning blame for legal expenses, Mr. Ackert should acknowledge his own role in creating them.

What’s Going On In The Borough?

And Chris Gardner, if anybody is Mr. Newtown, it’s you! Not only do I deeply appreciate all the support you gave me throughout this campaign, but I look forward to joining you in the Lions Club. I know it sounds silly, but truly one of my highlights this year was helping to raise the summer flag on the flagpole alongside you! I know we’re going to be great friends well into the future.

Leading By Example, For Unity And For Newtown

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NHS CAP Club Online Auction Closed, Fundraising Concluded

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