San Bruno fire initiates activism
On September 9, a gas explosion in a San Bruno neighborhood set off a fire that killed eight people, destroyed 35 homes and drastically affected many unfortunate residents in need.
A few days later, Aragon students stepped up to the cause by collecting change in water jars in order to aid the victims with an effort organized by Leadership under the slogan, “Give Up to Give Back.”
Originally suggested by biology teacher Katherine Ward, the idea reached Leadership advisor Catherine Williamson, who also teaches biology.
Describing the project’s concept, Williamson says, “Students could give up their Starbucks or Jamba Juice for one day and donate for the cause.”
From there, Williamson mentioned it to Leadership, particularly the Public Relations Committee and the Associate Student Body.
Senior ASB Secretary Amanda Holl says, “ASB really decided that it was a project we wanted to do. We really wanted to give back. We thought it was an opportunity to do something good.”
“Then we just implemented it,” says Williamson. For a little over a week, Leadership placed large water jugs out in Center Court at lunch for students to place their donations.
They decided ahead of time that the donated money would go to the Red Cross.
In addition, leadership turned it into a class competition to see which grade level was able to make the most money. The senior class won the contest by raising $300.
“Everyone wanted to do something, give it a chance, even if it was small,” says Williamson. Sharing this sentiment, Holl says, “It was a chance to give something small and see how big an impact it could make.”
Holl says, “I made a flier. We worked together to secure the water jugs. There were people counting money [to determine which class raised the most]. Leadership really stepped up to the plate. I think it turned out successfully. We raised a lot of money and got the message out.” ASB President Jesvin Chandy says, “[The project] was a successful response to the San Bruno fire. Aragon managed to raise a decent amount of money quickly to help those in need.”
According to Williamson, the campaign raised over $300 for the fire victims.
As a result of the united effort of both Leadership and its many student donors, Give Up to Give Back was successful in raising awareness and contributing money to the cause. It represents just one of ways Aragon students give back to their community.
