The foundation of this school is built on familial values, tradition, education, and the desire for activism. Seminole High School has been an active participant in various charitable organizations over the recent years. More importantly, the efforts to support these charities are emulated by the student body and become school-wide movements for change.
By integrating charity opportunities into the daily bedlam of school life, students and faculty are given the chance to be a part of something bigger. One of the main goals of SHS is to expound on changing the campus, community, and world. Will Schmitz, junior, thinks the charity movements at SHS “are good for students because it makes them aware and more involved.” Charities supported on campus influence ‘Noles to carry their humanitarian work outside of school.
Donations for important causes aren’t strictly monetary: many items accepted by charities are common household items! Organizations such as The Salvation Army accept items such as clothing, furniture, and stuffed animals. These items can be located in any household. Most donations are also tax deductible, which benefits both the donator and the recipient. The Ronald McDonald House accepts a wide variety of donations (including loose change), as well as St. Jude’s Research Hospital.
In the month of October, Seminole participates in the Yoplait Save Lids to Save Lives program. This charity accepts pink lids from participating Yoplait products, and Yoplait donates $.10 per lid to Susan G. Komen For the Cure, the world’s largest breast cancer organization. Any ‘Nole can easily accumulate at least one pink lid to donate to this cause. Junior Deonaise Jackson thinks that easily attainable household items are convenient “because everyone has these, and we might as well turn them in at school for a good cause.” Some teachers offer to reward their students for their humanitarian efforts. This healthy competition influences Seminole students to work towards a better, healthier future for all.
Seminole also partners with organizations such as the U.S. Fund for UNICEF. This year, the introduction of the SHS UNICEF Club was created to advocate and fundraise for children around the globe. Students involved in this club will be able to educate fellow classmates and family members to save children in need. Fundraisers such as Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF will allow ‘Noles to collect coins in order to save their vulnerable peers in developing countries.
Other charity foundations including the Big Red Bus (sponsored by the Florida’s Blood Centers) are involved with SHS to promote humanitarian efforts within campus. Students over the age of 16 within the proper weight level are permitted to donate blood when the organization visits school. The donation of blood helps patients in need and increases the welfare and safety of the community.
The students and faculty at Seminole High School are dedicated to influencing each other for the greater good. Actively and collectively participating in charity efforts creates a deeper bond between each ‘Nole. Senior Ashley Taylor thinks these opportunities change the attitudes of students because “they make us feel more involved and we’re doing our part to help the community.” By becoming more involved in nonprofit organizations, change uses its potential to advance the world, making healthier futures and one less struggle at a time.