Glenn Seniors Fix Meal for Families Staying at Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem

On May 15, the 2013 Senior Class Officers and Deans of Glenn High School prepared a meal for the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem.

“The Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem provides a ‘home away from home' for families of children receiving medical care in hospitals in the community,” says its website. “The House and Family Room programs offer physical comforts, emotional support, education, and referral services designed to promote the well-being of the whole family.”

“The Ronald McDonald House was a great way to impact our community and show compassion,” said Senior Class President Cody Mitchell. “I found a special joy in helping families that were in a time of crisis and need because it is our mission and purpose as senior officers and deans to help those in need.”

Senior Class Secretary Hannah Forbes and Dean Julie Kemp have spent many hours volunteering at the house, and they thought it was a worthy cause that needed a spotlight and the students’ support. One of the students' goals for the project was to raise awareness about Ronald McDonald House and the role that it plays in our community. The students raised the money necessary to pay for the food they bought for the meal.

"At its core, each and every senior activity, fundraiser, or good time should have a component that strives to relieve the suffering of their fellow man to some degree and in some capacity,” said Latarsha Pledger, who serves as the senior advisor. “Even if it is only temporary, there must be a higher purpose and calling for our actions that cannot be shunned or neglected as senior officers and deans."

This was one of many projects that the students have undertaken, Pledger said. “They raised hundreds of dollars to support multiple families for Christmas. They fundraised to create an outdoor classroom for Glenn High School that will seat up to 30 students. But their major project as senior officers and deans was to raise funds to pay the salary of a K-5 teacher for one year in Honduras.  They take pride in the education they have received at Glenn, and they desire to share that gift beyond the school's walls.”

The students participating in the project were:

Cody Mitchell - Senior Class President
Hannah Forbes - Secretary
Aakash Shah - Treasurer
Alyvia Williams - Senior Dean
Julie Kemp - Senior Dean
Charnae Furches - Senior Dean
Morgan Tarrer - Senior Dean
Mishana Sturdivant - Senior Dean
Megan Finnerty - Senior Dean
Justin Scism - Senior Dean
Elizabeth Graves - Senior Dean

More information about the house is available at Ronald McDonald House of Winston-Salem