Students at South Effingham High School raised $4,021 for Haiti relief efforts last week, more than any other school in the county.
Schools across Effingham collected donations the week after the Jan. 12 earthquake devastated the already fragile nation of Haiti. Overall, the schools have collected more than $11,000 to be given to the Rotary Club to purchase and ship ShelterBoxes for those left homeless and vulnerable.
A ShelterBox is a plastic container that holds everything a displaced family may need to survive after a natural disaster, from a 10-man tent to water purification supplies.
The students at SEHS competed between grades to see who could raise the most money with the juniors coming out on top with $835.
“I guess it’s our competitive spirit,” said junior class president Micah Christensen, 17.
Freshmen raised $672, sophomores had $752 and seniors had $612. The staff also contributed, bringing in $650.The National Honor Society at SEHS made its own donation of $500 to the cause, which they had raised earlier in the year.
“This is what NHS is all about, giving to the community,” said SEHS NHS president Brittany Horton, 18.
SEHS Principal Mark Winters said that the day after the earthquake struck, a number of students came up to him in the hall to ask what their school could do for the people of Haiti.
“South (Effingham High School) gave the most to United Way in the fall,” said Winters. “Then for them to turn around and put forth a phenomenal effort for Haiti, it’s gratifying and amazing to be a part of this group of teenagers.”