Students make a difference a world away

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jamal Sutter
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  Following the devastating earthquake that struck the island nation of Haiti Jan. 12, people from around the world have come together to provide aid, and Misawa Air Base has joined in the global relief effort.

Students from Robert D. Edgren High School presented a check to American Red Cross Misawa June 15 in the amount of $1,075. The money will be used to assist the earthquake victims.

"The money coming in at this point is actually helping people rebuild their lives," said Michael Patton, station manager for American Red Cross Misawa. "The first contributions were for food, water and everything to sustain them and get them through this period. The money that comes in after ... goes toward making the people's lives a little better."

The school raised the money by hosting a talent show  June 4. Edgren High School's Student Council led the event with help from the National Honor Society, the Junior National Honor Society, the Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp and Students to Students organizations.

"We wanted to do something that would entertain the students and community but raise money for a good effort," said Chase Grant, Student Council sergeant at arms and next year's Student Council president. "Student Council is usually all about making the school better, but we also want to make another place better -- the world."

Following the check presentation to American Red Cross, Patton presented a letter of appreciation to Edgren High School and praised the students for getting involved with such a worthy cause.

The Student Council plans on making the talent show an annual event and is eager to find additional relief efforts to donate to, Chase said.