This article was published on KSWO on May 16, 2016 by Will Hutchison.
LAWTON, OK (KSWO) –A Lawton high school and a charity are reaping big rewards, thanks to the actions of the students and staff at Eisenhower High School.
The Lead2Feed program at Eisenhower High is aimed at helping in the community and helping freshmen get involved in their new high school. During the fall semester, a group of seniors helps the freshmen join clubs they are interested in and make friends. In the spring semester, they turn their attention to the Salvation Army and begin fundraising. This year, the entire school got involved in the fundraising and helped raise more than $2,500 for the Salvation Army.
The group won an award that gives a $25,000 grant to their charity of choice, which in this case is the Lawton Salvation Army. The school will also be rewarded with $10,000 worth of technology.
The group at Eisenhower High originally raised enough money to run the Salvation Army for three months. The reward that is coming now will obviously have a huge impact as well.
“It’s really exciting, I mean, I knew that I was going to be helping, but I had no idea this was going to be happening. It’s…wow,” said Kaitlyn Krenzke, an Eisenhower High student.
“Good things are starting to happen and it just makes me feel like more people are going to want to help and be involved,” said Darius Plowden, an Eisenhower High mentor.
Eisenhower High has been involved with Lead2Feed for the last four years. The group was started by members of this year’s senior class, who say they got involved for very simply reasons.
“I kind of like helping people. I like helping the freshman get acquainted with the school and everything because I was that awkward kid who never really liked it and it’s always good to help people get involved,” said Plowden.
“I feel like I’m making a difference. I feel like I can see the difference I’m making, not only with the people here who I know who use the services there but also with the people around. I see the Salvation Army going around and helping with disasters and stuff like that,” said Krenzke.
The staff believes it’s fitting that the award is coming this year.
“I’m going to miss the seniors who are graduating this year. They started the program and they’ve participated all four years, so to win this prize before they leave is emotional. I’m very proud of them,” said Michelle Churchwell, a teacher at Eisenhower High.
The award the group won was the first ever “All in” award. It was actually created this year to specifically honor Eisenhower High as the first school to ever get the entire student body involved in the fundraising.