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SEHS students host international food night
Event raises money for families, victims of Imperial Sugar blast
eating
During dinner attendees were able to watch a slide show that included photos from the sugar refinery, and international scenes. - photo by Photo by Sandi Van Orden

South Effingham High School students hosted International Food Night Thursday in an effort to raise money for the Imperial Sugar Refinery victims and families.

English teacher and national honor society advisor Tina Crapse said a number of school organizations worked to make the night possible.

She said the Beta Club, Health Occupation Students of America, French and Spanish classes and the art department helped to bring it together.

“The kids are donating all the food,” Crapse said. “So all the funds go to Imperial Sugar.”

Crapse said the explosion has affected many of the families in the community, and one of the burn victims, Justin Purnell, is an alumnus of SEHS.

“Lives have been changed forever,” Crapse said.

She said Effingham is a tight knit community, and the sugar refinery explosion showed how close families in the area are.

While attendees ate there was a slide show of the sugar refinery before and after the explosion along with photos from relief efforts. The slide show also included international photos.

Principal Dan Noel said he is happy for the teachers and students for their work to raise money for the victims.

He said it is the first international food night, and it can be done again in the future for other causes.

“I’m proud of them,” Noel said.

Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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