Today the community, tomorrow the world.
A service-oriented club at Mt. Baker Middle School is making a difference by helping those in need.
The End Zone Academy of 30 strong is empowering youth through community service opportunities and fundraising. The after-school academy also has taken on a large philanthropic endeavor to raise $10,000 to build a one-room schoolhouse in South America.
“The kids get it,” said Susan Winter, a sixth-grade teacher and club advisor, on the purpose of the academy. “What we do makes a difference, and that’s really incredible.”
Through community service and fundraising efforts, students have gained some perspective and a greater appreciation of what they have as they extend a helping hand for those struggling with less.
“It has taught us life skills,” said sixth-grader Sophia Randall. “It has taught us how to help others who are hurting.”
The EZA has provided volunteer support for the Auburn Food Bank, the Auburn Valley Humane Society and Terry Home, an assisted living home for adults with traumatic brain injuries.
“It’s been an eye-opening experience,” said Janel Britten, a parent volunteer for the club. “(My son, Ben) has become appreciative of what he has by seeing what everybody else has.”
The club also participated in the We Day at Seattle’s KeyArena in March, an educational, inspirational event that calls for young people to lead local and global change.
The EZA has furthered its reach by undergoing an extensive campaign through Free The Children to raise money and help build a school in South America. Free The Children, a nonprofit organization established in 1994, is working to build 200 schools in developing countries, part of its Year of Education initiative launched last September. The organization believes education breaks the cycle of poverty.
Mt. Baker joined the cause, beginning with a We Create Change coin drive in the fall. Other fundraising activities have followed, including January Hat Days. The EZA also enrolled the support of Cascade Middle School’s Builders Club and Ilalko Elementary School.
The club has made morning announcements, put up posters and put out little schoolhouse donation boxes.
Lately, the EZA has called upon parents and the business community to support the effort.
To date, the campaign raised more than $2,300. The deadline to reach the targeted goal is May 30.
“It’s going to take the village of Auburn to make this possibility into a reality,” Winter said.
To learn more, visit www.freethechildren.com or www.facebook.com/EndZoneAcademy.
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You can help
Make a donation to the End Zone Academy’s effort to help build a school in South America through Free The Children. Donate online.
