Caliper, Stuyvesant’s official literary publication, is donating money to the North Shore Animal League America (NSALA) in memory of senior Ava Hecht, who passed away on Thursday, January 8. The NSALA, whose headquarters are located in Port Washington, NY, is the largest animal rescue and adoption organization in the world.

“We can remember her by helping animals, which Ava would have loved,” senior and Caliper co-editor Amy Crehore said.

Caliper’s winter 2008-2009 issue is currently selling for five dollars each. One dollar from each payment will be donated to the NSALA in Ava’s name.

“Ava Hecht was a really good friend of mine,” said junior Jan Cornel, who submitted to Caliper. “Money’s not only being donated to funds but Caliper publishing our works and allowing others to read inspires others to write poetry.”

Students may purchase copies of Caliper from the English office, most English teachers, Crehore or senior and Caliper co-editor Jack McDermott. Approximately 50 of the 250 copies have been sold as of Saturday, February 7.

“Ava was really passionate about English and was an incredible writer,” said Crehore, who took Advanced Placement English Literature and Composition: Great Books with Ava. “We believe that this is something she would have appreciated.”

“Caliper has decided to donate to Ava Hecht’s fund because of her active roles as a member of both the writing and art communities of Stuyvesant. Her poetry and paintings were inspiring and showed a huge amount of promise,” McDermott said. “It seemed appropriate and imperative that a magazine dedicated to writing and the sharing of ideas somehow pay tribute to Ava.”

“We have the power and ability to make this fund in Ava’s name through the magazine’s profits,” Crehore said. “Jack and I want to do as much as we can for Ava.”

“It was a really nice way to remember Ava,” said junior Shoshana Akabas, who also submitted to Caliper. “It’s very meaningful.”