The Fayette Citizen-News Page

Wednesday, February 19, 2003

Starr's Mill in Pennies for Patients program

Students at Starr's Mill High School are participating in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Pennies for Patients program, which raises funds to be used for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma research and for patient services.

Pennies for Patients is one of the Society's National School and Youth programs. Pop singer Mandy Moore is this year's honorary chairperson and will visit the top fundraising school in the country at the end of the school year to congratulate and recognize students for their fundraising activities.

The Starr's Mill program runs for three weeks, ending Feb. 21. The Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) at the school is the sponsor of the program. Computers, electronics, and other prizes are awarded to the top schools in the state.

School administrators find the program to be a valuable one that also teaches the significance of service learning. "Our students' involvement with the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society reminds them of the importance of being involved with the community and helping those in need," said Starr's Mill principal Sam Sweat. "This is a wonderful program for us to take part in, and the expected results of our students' efforts will benefit an outstanding organization."

Since 1993, millions of dollars have been raised in pennies and other spare change by more than 10 million elementary, middle and high school students nationwide for the Society. In Atlanta, the Georgia chapter will be the beneficiary of the funds raised by Starr's Mill.

"We're thrilled to have the students of Starr's Mill High School participate," said Georgia chapter executive director Laurie Papelian. "Their support and involvement will help us in our mission to find cures for these terrible blood-related cancers and to help patients and their families deal with these diseases."

For information on the Pennies for Patients program at Starr's Mill, contact the school at 770-486-2701 or Barbara Phillips at 770-486-2710, ext. 150.

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