Schools
Middle School Teachers Support Their Teams and Support a Cure
South County civics teachers turn their fandom in to funds
Black and Yellow? Or The Hokie Effect? Eighth grade civics teachers at South County Secondary School Chris Miller and Jeff Schneider will determine which team—the Virginia Tech Hokies or the Pittsburgh Steelers— is more popular by having a contest to see which can raise more money. The idea came about after a colleague asked both men how many items of spirit wear they owned.
"At first we were just going to wear the clothing everyday as a joke to see how long we could go," explained Miller. "Then we came up with the idea of making a fundraiser out of it."
Miller and Schneider decided to donate all of the money they raised to fellow teacher Shawn Gardner's team, Team Heather. Team Heather was started in memory Gardner’s sister, Heather Starcher, who passed away in 2002. Team Heather donates money to Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
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The South County community has responded with enthusiasm. The Honor Societies collected donations and pledges during the lunches. Leadership students made colorful banners to hang in the hallways. Inside the front office, clipboards are in place for teachers, staff and parents to donate if they wish.
"Most of the money has come from flat donations-- a dollar here, fifty cents there," said Miller. "Many [students] are afraid to pledge per item because they know I probably have a lot of clothing."
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As of Thursday, Feb. 24, the 17th day in the fundraiser, Miller has worn 26 items and Schneider has worn 20 items. Sometimes the Hokies and Steelers outfits are worn in crazy combinations, including shorts over jeans.
"We didn't really set a [fundraising] goal because anything over a dollar was a plus," said Miller. "I did however agree that if team Orange/Maroon raises $500 I would color my hair orange and if combined we raised $1000, I would also color my goatee maroon."
According to Miller, his team is about halfway to his goal— which means he's halfway to a dye job.
The Team Heather Fundraiser is continuing until March 18. All of the money will be donated to Team Heather at the South County Talent Show on March 15.
You can follow the contest on Facebook here.
