Response of our young people

Since the tragic earthquake in Haiti the young people in our schools have been brainstorming on how to help their brothers and sisters in Haiti. Each school provided the opportunity for a true Serviam (I will serve) experience. Fundraisers include: Haiti ribbons, bake sales, dress down days, penny wars, and a Shake the Quake dance and tee shirts.

In preparation for Catholic Schools Week, the Office of Development/Alumnae Relations and Student Council of the Academy of Mount St. Ursula organized a “Change Wars” student fundraiser. Beginning on January 11th, each class was challenged to fill up a water jug with pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters to raise money for the school. They had one week to collect more coins than their peers, win bragging rights and receive two class dress down days – a coveted prize for any Catholic school student. There was a catch, however; if any bills were inserted into the jug the amount would be subtracted from the class total. During this time, news of the tragedy in Haiti hit the hearts of the students, faculty and staff at MSU. Almost instantly the student body and administration decided that the money raised would be sent to Haiti.

At Ursuline Academy in Wilmington, Delaware the Student Council has organized several events. They will sell Haiti ribbons for $1, sell baked goods at lunch, have a dress-down day where students will bring in $3.00 to be out of uniform, and students will sell t-shirts for the "Shake the Quake" event that can be worn during the coveted dress-down day. The students will also have a "Shake the Quake" dance.

At The Ursuline School in New Rochelle a dress down day was held, a bake sale and coin wars took place. The competition was set between the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades combined and the ninth, tenth, eleventh and twelfth graders to fill water jugs with any amount of money. In the end the sixth, seventh and eighth graders won and will receive a pizza party and a free dress down day. The spirit generated was wonderful and all were focused on helping Haiti in any way they could.

To date over $5,000 has been sent to the American Red Cross and $1,000 to Catholic Relief Services. Students are planning additional fundraising efforts in order to provide ongoing support for the people of Haiti. They recognize that the need will continue to grow as the country begins the slow process of rebuilding its infrastructure and spirit.

Our young people are truly a wonderful inspiration for us!

Sr. Pat