High school leadership class takes initiative
JACKSON TWP — A leadership class at Seneca Valley Senior High School raised $1,136 for local families fighting breast cancer during a walkathon last week.
This year, a new customized learning course known as Leadership gave students an opportunity to start initiatives and make a difference.
Seven students are enrolled in the course: Olivia Booth, Christian Debiase, Allison King, Lia Polcyn, Morgan Smith, Anna Vitale and Brenna Wrubel.
The class decided it wanted to hold a walkathon to coincide with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Andrea Dimond, a mother in the district, shared her fight with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer.
She spoke of the importance of donating to research, as only 6 percent of all funds raised for breast cancer goes toward this terminal type of breast cancer.
“Events like this help us stay connected to the community,” Brenna said. “Raising money and awareness teaches us about civic engagement and responsibility. It helps us prepare for activism after high school.”
The teacher of the leadership course, Rebecca Beers, said she was proud of her students.
“I learned so much from them about doing whatever it takes to make an event happen,” she said.
The SV Dance and Cheer team raised $500 through selling pink-out T-shirts.
Olivia, a cheerleader, said interest in the shirts was high.
“We thought reselling the shirts to the district was a great opportunity to raise money for a good cause — breast cancer affects so many families, and I'm so thankful I was able to be a part of making a positive impact in our community,” she said.
At the event, students sold bake sale items that were donated.
Morgan said the group wanted to reach out to local businesses to get the community involved.
“It's such a worthwhile cause to get involved with,” she said.
People wishing to give additional donations can give at gofundme.com and search for Seneca Valley breast cancer fundraiser.
