Southside Middle School Student Council Donates to Local Organizations

Southside Middle School's student council members with teachers Amy Pieczko (far left) and Jessie Andry (far right), with ARF Executive Director Jody Leddy (far right). Photo by: Mike RhodesSouthside Middle School's student council members with teachers Amy Pieczko (far left) and Jessie Andry (far right), with ARF Executive Director Jody Leddy (far right). Photo by: Mike Rhodes

By: Holly Ford—

Muncie, INMembers of the Southside Middle School student council are learning firsthand what it means to be philanthropists and leaders in the community. So far this school year, they have donated just over $600 to local organizations. The students raised these funds themselves, and voted on which organizations to support. Most recently, they donated $375 to Muncie’s Animal Rescue Fund (ARF) after holding their most successful fundraiser yet—a dance where they sold concessions.

ARF’s executive director Jody Leddy visited Southside on Monday, March 13, to accept the check from the student council. “I was so pleasantly surprised that a middle school dance could raise almost $400 for ARF!” Ms. Leddy said in an e-mail. “I continue to be impressed by the sense of community [in Muncie] and how everyone comes together and steps up to help and contribute to the betterment and well-being of Muncie residents, animals and humans alike!” Every penny donated to ARF goes a long way to keep their animals healthy and happy. According to Ms. Leddy, ARF utilizes donations to provide medicine, food, treats, and toys for the animals, as well as to cover building and grounds maintenance costs.

The student council’s philanthropic efforts gain momentum with each fundraiser. Their first fundraiser was during Red Ribbon Week in October, when they raised over $80 for the Delaware County Prevention Council. In December, they donated $150 to Secret Families of Delaware County after selling Candy Cane Grams. Next, the middle school grade levels will compete to raise the most money in a “Pennies for Patients” fundraiser in support of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Southside’s student council is led by teachers Jessie Andry, Miranda Pattison, and Amy Pieczko. According to them, the students’ enthusiasm has grown with each fundraiser. “They get very excited about how much money we are raising and how much we are able to send to the organizations,” Mrs. Andry and Mrs. Pieczko said in an email. “They especially like knowing that we are keeping all of the money raised in the community and helping people that are right here in Muncie.”

 

The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) serve approximately 6000 students from Muncie and the surrounding area. MCS provides a range of diverse opportunities for children as well as adult basic education. For more information about MCS events, programs or services, please contact Ana Pichardo, Director of Communications at 765-747-5210 or apichardo@muncieschools.org. Follow MCS on Twitter  @MuncieSchools and like us on Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/MCS1Official.