30_hour_famine

Jeff Green | Apr 20, 2006

Back toHome

SLHSraises $5000 with 30HourFamine

by Gary Giller

How many students do you know that enjoy school so much that they would be willing to spend part of their weekend at school as well? That was the case for over 100 students from Sharbot Lake High School who participated in this year's 30 Hour Famine. Starting at 1 p.m. on April 7, the students spent the next 30 hours in the school, sleeping overnight in the cafeteria and gymnasium, finishing at 7 p.m. on Saturday with a symbolic meal of soup. Although the time was spent fasting for pledge money to support some of the world's neediest children, the students had fun doing a variety of activities.

The famine has become quite a tradition at the school, with this year's event being the most successful ever. From its modest beginnings, when Julia Hale, a senior student from Arden first took it on, the famine has grown into a major event that this year made over $5500 in support of World Vision. The money helps with various projects, such as decreasing the number of the world's undernourished children; reducing the vulnerability of children to HIV/AIDS; providing clean water to Third World households; and rehabilitating communities in need.

Thanks go to all those who sponsored this year's students with pledge money. This year's 30 Hour Famine committee met early in February to ensure the success of the famine. Thanks to the Chairpeople: Alicia Cota, Kortney Larock and Lydia Sargeant; Committee Members: Cody Fanning Tyson Lemke, Mitch Ranger, Sindi Meecham, Jamie Hermer and Luke Maloney; and staff supervisors for the leadership role that they took in the event.

Over the years, community members and businesses have played a huge role in the success of the famine by supporting the event through the contribution of beverages, soup, staple items, financial donations and prizes. Special thanks to all the businesses that donated to the famine. Without their donations, the event would not be nearly as successful as it is.

When asked why she participates in the famine, Rebecca Stanton replied, "You get to socialize with your friends while helping with a very important cause. The act of fasting shows us how much we take food for granted. It definitely makes you think about what other people are going through and how important it is that we get involved." Luke Maloney added that "Thirty hours without food isn't that bad but it gives you the opportunity to see what many young people around the world have to deal with every day."

By the end of the time, students involved were certainly tired and ready to go home to enjoy a decent meal and a comfortable bed; however, they left the school with the satisfaction that they had played a role in helping other children in need - an extremely important lesson in our obligation as members of a developed nation to be good global citizens.