English 1 Honors classes have been engaged in a year-long “Impact Your World” research project. Students read a book on humanitarian efforts, researched an organization of their choice, and voted on their favorite charity to support this semester, including Habitat for Humanity, The Global Fund, International Children’s Heart Foundation, and Make-A-Wish Foundation. Some exciting fundraising projects included an art show, an iPod raffle, swimming for pledges, a bake sale at Westmont Yard, and a raffle and donation collection at a dental office. In addition, students sold some creative items like beautiful handmade paper cranes pictured above, Nike RED shoelaces, and awareness bracelets.
Although the project was primarily developed as a meaningful way to teach research skills, it has become so much more. Awareness campaigns were also important to the classes’ success. For instance, students wrote to local politicians, hospitals, and corporations to promote awareness and support. They also distributed stickers, flyers, and candy to students and the community in an effort to educate them on our charities. In the end, the students in Ms. Otahal's four courses, alone, raised over $3600 and spread awareness in both the school and the community. And students surprised themselves by how much they really can impact their world one small step at a time. As a couple students reflected, “I feel like I have a voice and I can change things if I set my mind to it.” “By putting in the necessary effort, anyone can impact his or her world!”
Congratulations to all English 1 Honors students who took part in this world-changing project!
