Throughout spirit week, donation boxes were left out during all four lunches to collect funds for the hurricane victims of Puerto Rico. By donating money, students benefitted not only those in need but also their classes. This was brought together by the Environmental Club and Human Rights Club, with approval from student council.

Senior member of both clubs, Cindy Huang, was actively involved in the fundraiser. To raise awareness among her class, she posted into the class of 2018 Facebook group.

“We all wanted to do something to help both the people and environment affected by the hurricanes in Puerto Rico which, out of all the areas devastated by recent natural disasters, seemed to be in the most need,” Huang explained. 

With each cent donated, one point was given to the respective class’ spirit points. The high energy generated from spirit week served as a motivation to help others in need, and points were rewarded for student generosity. The fundraiser is a symbiotic relationship, supporting not only the island in need but also WA’s school spirit. 

The Environmental Club and the Human Rights Club plan to give all donations to the organization, United for Puerto Rico, whose purpose is to provide support for those affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The first lady of Puerto Rico, Beatriz Russell, was the catalyst of this program. 100% of proceeds go to those in need.

Eager for spirit week points, the senior class was found to have donated the most out of all the grades. The final amount of money raised has been counted as $294.43. This was a non-profit and cost efficient fundraiser, with the two clubs not spending any money to run it. The only supplies used were simply, the donation boxes.

“No matter how much money we send, it will be put to good use,” Huang remarked.