Each student yearns for the typical high school experience — prom, pep rallies and graduation. However, the money for these events couldn’t be raised without class fundraising, when each grade organizes activities to raise money in support of their class goals. The school has had its fair share of fundraisers this past year, each contributing to the unique objectives of every grade. Here’s a look at how each grade raised money to support their class throughout the year.
Despite being newbies, the class of 2028 found ways to profit from school wide events. According to freshman class treasurer Reed Gottesman, the freshmen received a percentage of the profit made at their Fall Festival stand and $100 for attending the Harlem Wizards game and raising spirit. The class of 2028 also recently hosted a bake sale at the Potomac Woods Plaza.
The sophomore class also hosted a bake sale, where they raised $563. The sophomores had somewhat of a different approach than the freshmen. They collaborated with restaurants, and a percentage of the proceeds went toward their class funds. These restaurants include Chick-fil-A, Ledo’s Pizza and Bonchon. They also held an ice-skating fundraiser at the Rockville Town Center Ice Rink. Finally, the class of 2027 won the school’s “Puttin’ on the Hitz” (POTH) event, a lip sync/dance battle against other grades, earning a check for $100.
Sophomore class vice president Benedict Santos said the bake sale was their most successful fundraiser because they earned the most profit and advertised the event the most. In the future, Santos looks forward to planning future events as a junior. “I’d hope to plan different types of fundraisers, such as community events that students could attend,” Santos said.
The junior class began the year by profiting from their class tie-dye shirts. They then began their transition into smaller individual events such as multiple fundraisers at Chipotle, other restaurant nights and bake sales.
According to junior class secretary Grant McGraw, the tie-dye event allowed different grades to work together to advertise the event. In the future, McGraw hopes to plan more school wide spirit events, however, he explained the difficulties of organizing them. “Currently, it is hard [to organize school wide events] due to the large amount of money school events cost, due to security and other aspects we need to pay for,” McGraw said.
Finally, the seniors have organized events. Senior and class planning member Naomi Negussie said that the seniors have prepared fundraisers at Ledo’s Pizza, Chick-fil a, Panera and Chipotle. They have also raised a significant amount of funds from POTH and Wootton’s Got Talent.
As senior year comes to an end, the senior planning committee is wrapping up the year and currently advertising prom. “We don’t have much left to do – though we are still in the process of organizing prom, selling tickets, handling decorations and food,” Neguessie said.
