» Homer Central School, Homer, NY

Organizer: Homer High School
Activity: Checks presentation ceremony to ARF
Date: February 15, 2005

Susan McCouch, a Cornell professor and Rice Genetics research scientist contacted Homer High Schools (through its science teacher; Jason Graves) to make the schools aware of ARF efforts. The initial relationship between the high school and Dr. McCouch of Cornell exists because of a plant genetics laboratory activity that McCouch and her Post Doctoral associates Dr. Mike Thompson and Dr. Endang Septiningsih (Septi) bring into the school. Subsequently a fundraising activity was set up at Homer High School.

By utilizing the sales of chopsticks (the rice connection) Homer Science department raised money for the Banda Aceh area. Several other groups participated in fundraising of various forms including bake sales, button sales, and penny collection. The Homer Faculty Association, Homer classes, student Governments, Student Councils, and National Honor Societies also held fundraisers to raise money for the Aceh Relief Fund. In total students and teachers at Homer Central School donated US$2,814.82 to Aceh Relief Fund. The breakdown is Homer Teacher's Association: $2,181.52, Class of 2006: $378.00, Class of 2008: $155.30, and Student Body: $100.00.

The day’s event was started by:

1. A short speech by the school principle/ teacher coordinator
2. Short speeches by representatives of various student bodies followed by presentations of check donations
3. A 30-minute presentation about ARF initiative with a focus on its effort to help rehabilitate schools in Aceh
4. A 20-minute question and answer session with students and teachers.

Student representatives and President of Teacher Association (3rd from right) from Homer High School in Cortland presented a check to ARF representative, Mazalan (4th from right) and Zevi (5th from right).

 

The President of Homer Teacher's Association and his colleague presented a check to ARF

A short note from the Homer Teacher's Association accompanies the check

A representative from a student body presented a check to Mazalan

Another check presentation

More check being presented by students

Teachers at Homer High School listen attentively to Mazalan’s explanation on how donations will be utilized in Aceh. Jason (second from right) was responsible for generating interest in donating the school’s collection to ARF.