The assignment was simply called “A Problem Worth Solving.” In it, students were asked to identify a problem they saw either in their school, community or country. Then they had to be creative and come up with ways they could help. Through the process, students researched various issues then try to find ways they could help.
English teacher Cary Saxton said the assignment was meant to simulate the organic nature of problem solving in the real world where there are roadblocks, red tape and other distractions getting in the way.
Ellie Vandefifer and Lindsey Velting took the assignment well beyond Saxton’s original requirements. Their problem to solve - finding ways to help the homeless in Barry County.
“We just wanted to raise more money to help the homeless communities,” said Vandefifer.
“We know it’s a problem even here in Barry County. The money we raise won’t solve it, but we know it can help people who need it,” said Velting.
Initially they wrote a grant to help them, but it wasn’t fulfilled. So they had to come up with a Plan B. They made a presentation to share with high school Principal Tony Petersen and from there the project blossomed.
Their next step was the survey students to find fundraising efforts classmates would be most likely to participate in and make donations. From there, the two decided on two - a pie in the face of teachers or staff, and a penny war between classes.
With the help of teachers and staff who agreed to get whipped cream pies thrown and smeared on their faces, Vandefifer and Velting raised $267 in two lunch periods. Each pie toss cost participants $2.
The girls also decided to also have a penny war between classes with all proceeds again going to help the homeless in the county. With the two efforts combined, they are hoping they might have $500 to donate.
The pair acknowledge their fundraising wouldn’t be successful without the support of classmates, administrators, teachers and staff.. “We appreciate all the teachers and everyone who took the pies in the face,” said Vandefifer. “They were all willing to help.”
“It’s been rewarding for us to see our work pay off and we’ve been able to raise quite a bit of money,” said Vandefifer.
The two said they opted to raise money rather than seek donations of specific items, hoping the money can give the agencies a little more flexibility in how it’s used. They aren’t sure yet if they’ll donate to the United Way or to another organization assisting the homeless in the county.
No matter what, both said the additional work on this assignment has been worth it. “It makes me feel like we’ve done something to help others,” said Velting.
“They have really persevered all the way through and have really gone above and beyond,” said Saxton. “I think it’s astounding what two high schoolers can accomplish when they put their minds to it. They’ve shown a lot of grit and that’s something we need more of.”