At Lake Shore Elementary, students learn the power of helping others

Lake Shore Elementary set what it thought was a modest goal: Raise $750 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. From Feb. 5 to Feb. 16, student-leaders collected money from their peers, staff members, families and community members. Donations also came in online.

On the first day, the school passed the halfway mark toward their goal. By the last day, the final amount stood at $6,174.06. When the total was announced at an assembly, the school erupted into cheers. “These kids, parents and community members just blew it out of the water with raising that huge total,” said kindergarten teacher Meghan Knuth.

But it wasn’t just about the money. Awareness of cancers is widespread among the student body, and the Lake Shore community has been personally affected. Knuth, who coordinated the fundraiser, is a lymphoma survivor. The fundraiser served as an educational opportunity as well as a chance to support their peer and many other families.

By working together, Lake Shore students have learned the power of a community when everyone works together to help others.

Fundraising leaders

  • Sixth place: Debbie Craton’s class—$392.93
  • Fifth place: Darrellyn Kelso’s class—$536.25
  • Fourth place: Lindsey Watson’s class—$580.57
  • Third place: Laurie Clark’s class—$599.90
  • Second place: Becky Taylor’s class—$674.76
  • First place: Tiffany Fechter’s class—$711.31