Motivated by the plight of victims in Haiti — or the possibility of shaving their principal's head — the students at Central Middle School went above and beyond anyone's expectations by raising over $15,000 in one week for the earthquake-ravaged country.
At a school assembly this morning, the members of the Student Council presented the check to the Salvation Army as excited students in the bleachers cheered and waved signs that read, “Do the buzz.”
The idea to raise money for the earthquake victims originated early last week, and really caught fire when Principal Josh Johnson said he would shave his head if they raised $5,000. The idea snowballed, with Student Council Advisor Jason Wateland offering to shave his head at $7,000 and well-known custodian Todd Lagasse agreeing to shave his head at the $10,000 mark.
Sis Eisenzimmer, a teacher at the school, had agreed to shave her head if they reached $15,000, but was pardoned when fellow teacher Kermit Thompson stepped up to take her place in the barber's chair.
The students boo-ed at the last minute swap, but Eisenzimmer cheerfully danced back to her chair in the audience.
Several people took the podium to thank the students for their efforts, including Superintendent Steve Swiontek, School Board President Ed Brown and Evan Heustis of the Salvation Army.
Brown said someone told him that a donation kettle was set up at the recent Vikings game to raise money for Haiti and raised $7,500 — half of what the Central Middle School students raised.
“That's absolutely amazing,” he said. “You're absolutely going to make outstanding citizens as you grow up.”
Swiontek agreed, noting that one of life's biggest lessons is to help your fellow man.
“When middle school students, age 10 to 14 already understand that, I believe the world will be a better place to live,” he said. “I again want to tell you how proud I am of you and your great work.”
The money was given to the Salvation Army, with Heustis assuring the students the money would go directly to the earthquake victims. He told a story of children without parents wondering who will take care of them.
“You have answered the call,” he said to the students. “You have said to them, 'We will.'”
