On October 17, the Princeton High School Orchestra (PHSO) collaborated with the PHS UNICEF community service club, as well as Princeton Middle School, to host a benefit concert promoting the 17 Sustainable Development Goals that UNICEF has set to achieve by 2030.

This event occurs every other year; this year’s edition specifically placed emphasis on presenting the 17 goals. These goals include ending poverty, improving global education, achieving gender equality, and making clean energy affordable. PHS UNICEF leaders and officers discussed these goals while the orchestra played music in-between presentations.

“[We combined] artistry with mission … [to support children] artistically from where we are in Princeton,” said PHSO conductor and UNICEF club advisor Robert Loughran.

While in previous years the concert featured PHSO alumni, this year, only current orchestra members participated. Loughran described this experience, noting that the soloists were all student performers.

“We have a really talented piano section in the orchestra … [that performed] solo repertoire that [coincided] with what [was] presented on stage by the officers,” said Loughran.

During the concert, all members of the PHS orchestra program — as well as some Princeton Middle School orchestra members — had the opportunity to perform.

As the event was open to the community at a low cost of attendance, it reached a wide range of community members. Moreover, the performers had the opportunity to expand their musical talents while simultaneously learning more about global issues. PHSO violinist Elif Cam ’26 describes her connection to these goals as a musician after studying UNICEF’s mission.

“I personally donate to UNICEF, and I have researched the Sustainable Development Goals a lot, so for me, it [was] truly really special to have a concert in honor of [this cause],” said Cam.

PHS UNICEF leader Ava Tabeart ’25 shared her hopes to inspire other high school students.

“Community service shouldn’t be thought of as a graduation requirement … it’s really something that [we hope students will] embrace and try to make the most of,” said Tabeart.