By: Lauren Trevino
To many people, the beginning of March marks the start of the popular NCAA college basketball tournament known as March Madness. However, to the Timber Creek community, it holds a different meaning. It symbolizes the start of the school’s biggest fundraiser of the year.
The March Madness fundraiser was originated by former Timber Creek principal John Wright, as well as members of the TCHS School Advisory Committee. They created the TC Foundation to raise money for technology to put into the classrooms.
March Madness spans from Feb. 25 to Apr. 10, with the week the students have off for spring break accounted for. Teachers ask students in their classes to donate coins in class, and even come up with creative ways to get students to donate.
“School-wide, teachers do all sorts of creative things to earn money with their classes,” said biology teacher Sarah Longino, “Personally, I run a little snack shop between classes.”
That time of year, bake sales become a common sight on campus, and contests featuring students and teachers take place during lunches.
“I think it’s a good way for the school to raise money for what they need,” said sophomore Caden Kreppein.
At the end of the month, the top 16 classes who have raised the most money are awarded with a Sweet Sixteen pizza party. These classes’ teachers are also able to choose what technology they’d like in their classrooms.
Last year, a total of $20,000 was raised and all the profits went straight back to the school. Printers, graphing calculators, LCD projectors, a potter’s wheel, new software, and 20 document cameras for classroom teachers were purchased with those funds.
This year’s goal has been raised to $25,000, with hopes to advance the school’s technology, and provide a higher level of education to students.
Timber Creek media specialist Patricia Franklin is in charge of orchestrating the event. “Technology changes so quickly,” said Franklin, “This is the one way we can come together and show how important education is to our community.”
The community is an essential part of this event as well. To raise money, many restaurants hold spirit nights, where a percentage of the profits go to the fundraiser. Local businesses also make donations and give items that are held for auction.
Timber Creek benefits greatly from March Madness every year, seeing as it has helped the school keep up with technological advances. The school is truly grateful for each contribution.
For questions and donations, please contact Patricia Franklin at her e-mail address patricia.franklin@ocps.net
