National Honor Society is a club many people don’t hear much about. Students are nominated and then apply to join. Members are chosen based on academics and involvement in the community and school. A few activities NHS members are involved in include food drives and decorating the Christmas tree. This year Mrs. Bradshaw, NHS advisor, and Sarah Keeny, NHS President, wanted to do more then just the typical activities.

NHS recently chose Pennies for Patients, a program designed to raise money for leukemia patients, as one of their fundraisers. Tables were set-up during lunch from February 2-20 to collect spare change. The fundraiser was arranged as a class competition. The sophomore class won with a total of $104.22. Students who donated $5 received homework passes and teachers and faculty members who donated $15 were entered into a drawing for a day off work. Mr. Adcock won the drawing.

Pennies for Patients started in 1994 as a way to get elementary, middle, and high school students involved in the fight against leukemia. Pennies are collected during a three week period and go to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma society. The Leukemia and Lymphoma society uses the money to fund research for finding cures for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life for patients and their families.

The concept of Pennies for Patients is similar to that of March of Dimes. A million people giving a little is as, if not more, effective than a few people giving a lot. NHS’s goal was to raise $1000. With the help of the student body and faculty members NHS was able to raise $504.81, proving that every penny counts.