Convincing students to take a Saturday to come to school and not eat anything for a full twenty-four hours may seem impossible, but senior Talia Kahoe was up for the daunting task.

Kahoe spent April 21 with 18 other JC students discovering how hard it really is for people who struggle with hunger every day. “It’s a 12-hour fasting retreat for the purpose of becoming more educated on world hunger and global poverty,” Kahoe said.

Kahoe’s project idea was inspired during one of her religion classes. “Dr. Yeung taught about this specific event in my social justice class in the fall, and I thought it would be a perfect Senior Project,” Kahoe said.

She was also interested in the issue herself. “The topic and the cause were both very interesting as well, which made it enjoyable to plan and take part in,” Kahoe said.

Many teachers at JC and other volunteers helped Kahoe with her project. “Dr. Yeung was my main mentor in the planning, as well as Ms. Harkins, Mrs. Murphy Dohn, and Mrs. Kellie Reynolds from St. Stephen Parish. I would not have had the success I achieved without their time and dedication to my cause and I could not be more thankful,” Kahoe said.

Kahoe also sought help from many different people to get participants for her project. “I met with the religion department and explained my project to them, asking for their help in spreading the news to their religion classes. I also extended the invitation to St. Stephen’s youth groups,” Kahoe said.

Senior Christian O’Neill was one of the students who participated in the fast. “I did it because I needed service hours for the National Honor Society and I thought it was a great cause, so it was a good way to get hours and show support,” O’Neill said.

Although there were a few bumps in the road, Kahoe did not let anything discourage her. “Student participation was not at the level I was hoping, but I could not be more grateful for the 20 or so participants who showed interest and helped me with my project,” Kahoe said.

“I thought it was a lot better than what I was expecting it to be, so it was a pretty good experience,” O’Neill said.

Even with less student participation than she had hoped, Kahoe was  pleased with how her Senior Project turned out. “I am very pleased with the outcome of my project. I believe the point of the fast was conveyed, and the participants benefitted greatly,” Kahoe said.

Ashley Beyer is a Lifestyles Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.