This year, the junior class is doing something a little out of the ordinary. Instead of siphoning profits from class fundraisers exclusively toward class activities, they are hosting extra events so they can donate the excess money to a charity. Although they are only donating what they have left over after prom, they are shooting to donate 20 percent of their funds to the Make-A-Wish foundation by the end of the year.
“The officers are all really excited about this year. We hope we can make a lot of money so we can give a substantial amount of money to the foundation,” said junior class representative Stephanie Shimizu. “We want to have as much class participation as possible so we can reach our goal.”
Donating 20 percent of their funds is ambitious, but president Anika Jhalani thinks that a group of 400 people can definitely work together and make a significant contribution to the Make-A-Wish foundation.
“I think it’s a good idea they’re giving globally. Not only are they helping their class, they’re also helping a foundation,” said junior class adviser Arnaldo Rodriguex.
With the leadership of Jhalani, the junior class is already being guided toward the right direction for themselves and for people in need of support.
“My goal as president of our class is to let people know that there is stuff going on in the world that we can make a difference for and get people to realize that they’re a lot luckier than other people,” said Jhalani.
The junior class officers want to inform their class and the rest of the school about the harsh realities outside of the sheltered Saratoga they are familiar with.
“Ignorance really isn’t bliss, and that’s the path we take every day. We all try to ignore these things so we don’t have to feel bad about it,” said Jhalani. “If we put it out there and say, ‘Look, these things are out happening’, it could make people question, ‘Should we put all of our money into prom? Or should we leave a little room to share?'”
The junior class has already had a yard sale fundraiser at the high school on Labor Day. This is one of many fundraisers they will have throughout the year.
