United Way at iPrep
By Carlos Roig, a Junior at iPrep Academy
By Carlos Roig, a Junior at iPrep Academy
Every year during the month of October, iPrep and other schools begin a fundraising drive for an important cause: United Way. Throughout the campaign, Student Government hosts collections and events campus-wide, allowing each of us to contribute to our community in many ways.
Who are you donating to?
As detailed on unitedway.org, the organization was founded in 1887 by a diverse group of founders who saw that their home state, Denver, needed an altruistic hand. Since then they have grown to support underserved Americans nationwide, providing necessary services for many who need them the most: supplemental nutrition programs, disaster relief, healthcare, shelter, and much more. |
What does United Way do locally?
On 3250 SW 3rd Ave, United Way opened its Miami chapter in 1924. As stated on their website, they provide crucial early education for children ages 3-4, career training for adults looking to break into the workforce, and mental health screenings for those who need a supporting hand. They have been serving the Miami County area for decades and seek to continue doing so for years to come. |
Principal Ms.Pujedas (right) and Assistant Principal Ms.Gonzalez (left)
What should an iPrep student be on the lookout for?
The Student Government, led by Mr. Sultz, has organized several events and collections scheduled for the month of October 2022. A “donation” competition between homerooms is taking place, as classes are ranked by the amount of money donated per student. The room with the highest average will be gifted a breakfast party. Last year, Machado’s homeroom raised $25.97 per student, and SGA hopes to supersede that achievement this year. During the week of October 17th-21st, the SGA is also sponsoring Spirit Week for the school to raise more money for the United Way Campaign. Those who wish to dress up can follow the theme of Monday, America Day; Tuesday, monochrome day; Wednesday, pattern day; Thursday, sports day; and Friday, disco day. For the Lower Academy and Middle School, dress up costs $1 a day to participate (this “permits” students to not wear their uniform!). High school students are not required to pay for the “dress-up” Spirit Week but are encouraged to donate to the cause.
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Digital flyer for iPrep's Spirit Week
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Finally, the iPrep tradition and headlining event for the drive is Hoop It Up, a morning to lunchtime day of basketball and jubilation. Basketball teams are limited to 3 members per team, with 15 dollar fee to join the tournament. All students can participate in other activities or the “mini-games” held in tandem with the basketball competition, costing each student 5 dollars for complete-access wristbands. Events include an egg race, musical chairs, doughnut eating, hool-a-hooping, and more.
After the high school finishes its jubilee, the middle school has a chance at the same fun with a separate event. There will be a “knock-out” style basketball competition where a line of students attempt free throws, with the student who first attempted the shot having the pressure of being kicked out by the proceeding student scoring a basket first.
After the high school finishes its jubilee, the middle school has a chance at the same fun with a separate event. There will be a “knock-out” style basketball competition where a line of students attempt free throws, with the student who first attempted the shot having the pressure of being kicked out by the proceeding student scoring a basket first.
The pandemic’s hand in the past years’ tumultuous events has displayed a need for compassion for our fellow man. With the money raised through this drive, our city can grow to help those who need it the most. It is great that iPrep rallied behind this cause on a large scale once more. As a secondary effect, we hope that these activities cause iPrep students to grow closer to each other as our spirit can be launched to new heights.
Work Cited
Way, United. “United Way Miami Website.” United Way Miami, 10 Oct. 2022, https://unitedwaymiami.org/.
Way, United. “United Way Miami Website.” United Way Miami, 10 Oct. 2022, https://unitedwaymiami.org/.