Norwalk students raise $11K for charities

NORWALK - Elton John AIDS Foundation Executive Board Member and co-founder John Scott was on hand at Norwalk High School to receive $1,000 from seniors who raised $11,000 during their annual Charity to Charities Drive.The Elton John AIDS Foundation was one of 11 charities that benefitted from the second annual drive, said Norwalk High teacher Dean Gray. Each of the charities received $1,000, and Scott - along with nine other representatives from the charities - accepted the donation in person on Jan. 15. The Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District Board of Education honored the students at its regular meeting Monday, Feb. 3. "The students were ecstatic that Mr. Scott, co-founder of the foundation, took the time to fly all the way out here and recognize their hard work in person." Gray said. "They really feel like they made a difference." Fifteen seniors participated in the drive by researching the charities, including their mission statements and ratings, and selling fruit snacks to raise funds over the course of two weeks. The first Charity to Charities drive last year garnered $6,000 and 12 charities received $500 each. Gray said this year's juniors at Norwalk High vowed to raise $15,000 for the class of 2015. "We are so pleased with the culture of giving Norwalk High School is creating," said NLMUSD Superintendent Dr. Ruth Pérez. "The students' drive, resolve and charitable attitudes are something we should all aspire to on a daily basis." The American Government and Economics students who participated in the drive include Ericka Espinoza, Javier Reyes, Skyler Schultheis, Emily Lomeli, Sandra Tapia, Katherine Pena, Anthony Alvarado, Sarahi Del Castillo, Melissa Orozco, Lily Tinh, Samantha Lujan, Adrienne Gutierrez, Katia Higuera, Marlene Zambrano and Kevin Santana.

********** Published: Feb. 13, 2014 - Volume 12 - Issue 44