GLOVERSVILLE - The Gloversville Enlarged School District Board of Education on Monday approved two student-driven projects at the high school and praised the students and high school administration for their initiative.

High school senior Javon Taylor presented school board members with a proposal to create a dance club at the school. He said the club would be open to any student wanting to join, and it would be geared toward improving confidence in participants.

Taylor said there are about 10 students willing to commit to two or three meetings a week. Teacher Jenny Barranco would supervise the group, he said. Club organizers have already made some initial progress in scheduling salsa lessons for potential club members, he said.

"You don't have to be a great dancer to be a part [of the club]," he said. "This is for the kids who ... are looking to come out of their shells."

Board member Stan DeVoe asked if club organizers are seeking any sort of monetary support from the district. Taylor said the organization would be self-sufficient and would do fundraising to pay for various activities. Barranco would be a volunteer, he said.

"We're not asking for a dime," Taylor said.

Another high schooler, Beth Zajaceskowski, proposed a benefit concert for Jacob Shell, a Burnt Hills child who was diagnosed at 8 years old with neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. The boy's father is a Gloversville native.

Zajaceskowski said she has organized a concert with several local performers, including herself, for Nov. 19 at the school. The performers agreed to play for free. All the proceeds from the concert will go to the Shell family to help pay for a two-month trip to Boston for tests and treatment for Jacob.

Zajaceskowski said she was simply hoping the Board of Education would agree to allow the group to use the school for four hours on Nov. 19, a Thursday night. All those organizing the concert are volunteering their time.

"We'll be bringing the community together," she said.

Board of Education President Pete Semione commended both students for their initiative and praised high school Principal Richard DeMallie. He said it was encouraging to see students coming together to help other kids while at the same time being conscious of the financial difficulties the district is facing.

Board members agreed both activities would be worthwhile and gave informal approval to both.

Kayleigh Karutis covers Gloversville news. She can be reached at gloversville@leaderherald.com.