Character on the R.I.S.E. – FHHS Gives Back

Posted on 12/12/2016
Character on the R.I.S.E. – FHHS Gives Back

The motto at Francis Howell High School (FHHS) is “R.I.S.E.,” or Respect, Integrity, Sportsmanship, and Excellence. But maybe it should be changed to “G.I.V.E.” FHHS students and staff want to promote high achievement in the classroom, on the field, and in the community. The latter is where FHHS has been really achieving this year, giving back to their community in so many ways, and no matter the season. They didn’t wait for the season of giving; they just give.

Activities Director Sean Erwin said, “At FHHS, a strong emphasis is put on excelling in the classroom, in the activity/sport, and in the community. Programs at FHHS regularly volunteer and develop outreach programs that are meaningful to them and that help the St. Charles County area, as well as others nationally.”

And so far in 2016-17, so good. “Our FHHS activities, clubs, and sports,” Erwin said, “were able to make a major impact on the lives and opportunities of others through their involvement in their respective programs. To date, over $17,000 has been raised by FHHS programs and over 1,000 hours have been volunteered.”

Below you can find some of the many ways that the young men and women in the different programs at FHHS are actively involved in the community:

  • Boys Soccer worked with SPENSA in September, helping coach kids with special needs play soccer. The soccer program also hosted a "Pink Out" game that helped to raise over $1,000 for the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
  • Boys and Girls Swim partnered with KEEN to help offer swim lessons for special needs children. Both programs will be working within the program through December.
  • The football program raised over $2,000 for Backstoppers during its 2nd Annual First Responders Night. The football program also donated over $600 and nearly 700 canned goods to the Oasis Food Pantry. Football was also involved in hosting a Pink Out Game and raised over $1,000 for cancer research.
  • Girls Softball hosted a Purple Out Game and raised over $1,200 to benefit Friends of Children With Cancer, as well as the Trevor Joerling Scholarship. Members of the softball program also volunteered with Special Olympics as well.
  • Student Council (STUCO) and National Honor Society (NHS) collected over 4,300 cans during "Canstruction" that were donated to the OASIS Food Pantry.
  • Cheerleaders volunteered for the Walk To End Alzheimer's event and raised over $1,200 to benefit the organization. The cheer program also hosted a "Little Vikings" camp and volunteered for the New Melle Field Fest.
  • The Cross Country program volunteered at the St. Louis Rock 'n' Roll 5K.
  • The Girls Basketball program volunteered at the Missouri Cowbell Marathon.
  • The State Champion Runner-Up Girls Volleyball program raised over $1,000 in their "Dig Pink" game. The volleyball program also volunteered for the National Night Out program and raised over $100 that was donated to the Oasis Food Pantry.
  • Wrestling held a toy drive prior to a dual meet and donated over $1,000 worth of toys to the Toys For Tots program.
  • STUCO donated toys to the St. Charles County “Shop With A Deputy” program.
  • Student Harsha Bollepalli was honored by the City of O’Fallon for his volunteerism efforts. Click here to read about him.

Erwin said, “We hope that all students, parents, staff, and Viking fans continue to support the great outreach of all of our programs.”

And everyone hopes that the leadership and generosity being fostered at FHHS will continue to grow. When we give back to our community, it becomes stronger. And with so many students giving back at FHHS, we are all enjoying watching the R.I.S.E. in student leadership and altruism.

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