BinaryHeart is an after-school club that aims to spread digital access. We collect broken or used electronic devices and repair them. Through Northwestern Settlement and other partner charities, we re-donate those devices to low-income schools. Check out the press page to see what we‘ve done!
Student Leaders
Julia Hudson
Executive Leader
Hey, I’m Julia! I’m a junior and I’ve been with BH for three years. I focus on big-picture goals such as working with the Chicago Public Schools and club expansion, as well as optimizing our own operations. In my free time, I love to make paper.
Megan Lu
Executive Leader
Hey, I’m Megan! I’m a junior, and I’ve been with BinaryHeart for two years. During club meetings, I work on this website and on our social media accounts. Fun fact, I’ve never tried cola.
Ben Shoemaker
Executive Leader
Hello, I'm Ben. I’m a senior who focuses on advocating for environmental issues in Binary Heart such as right-to-repair and proper handling of electronic waste. I’ve been in this club for 3 years and am currently working on how to safely dispose of damaged lithium-ion batteries.
Marcus Buccellato
Executive Leader
Hey! My name is Marcus Buccellato! I am a senior in high school and this is my third year of Binary Heart. During club, you will find me teaching others on how to refurbish/rebuild laptops, computers, and other electronics. In my free time, I mod old Xbox 360s and fix up tech around my house :)
Isaac Noel
Executive Leader
"Hi! I'm Isaac. I lead web development operations for BH. At lunch, I eat a burrito bowl with brown rice, beans, chicken, cheese, and lettuce."
Tal Belkind
Development Procedures & Documentation
Hi, I’m Tal! I’m a junior, and I’ve been with Binary Heart for a year and a half. During club meetings, I work on teaching people new skills and solving weird, unusual problems. I specialize in desktop PCs.
Leo Kaiser
Community Outreach
Hi, I’m Leo Kaiser! I’m a senior and this is my third year at BinaryHeart. At the club I work on community outreach to help secure more donations and promote our message. I also fix the occasional PC. Fun fact, I‘m an avid kite boarder.
Thomas Dean
Community Outreach
Hi, I’m Thomas Dean! I’m a three-year member of BinaryHeart. During club meetings, I work on gathering donations from community members. I am currently jazzed about starting a holiday tech drive. Fun fact, I’m one of four children.
David Maniu-Togan
Community Outreach & Tech Help
Hello, My name is David! I’m a junior and I’ve been with Binary Heart for two years, this is my first year as a leader though. I am part of community outreach/tech help. I specialize in custom PCs and OS installation. Fun fact, I love nature and biology.
Zaid Ali
Education
Club Sponsors
Mrs. Pritchard
I am one of the lead sponsors of BinaryHeart, and have been involved with this unique club for almost four years. I love the mission of BinaryHeart Club and it’s an honor to support students carry out this club’s charitable mission. Currently, I have served the district for 20 years as an Instructional Technology professional, and my two sons are both graduates of New Trier.
Ms. Caruthers
I am one of the lead sponsors of BinaryHeart, and have been involved with this unique club for almost one year. I love the mission of BinaryHeart Club and it’s an honor to support students carry out this club’s charitable mission. I’ve worked in IT for over 20 years functioning in various roles. I’ve worked at New Trier for three years in the Technology Department.
