I've just come back from a visit with the 8th grade class and all I can say is WOW! I came to learn more about the bake sale that they hosted yesterday and walked away with a "to do" list and feeling so proud of their enthusiasm, motivation and heart. As you may or may not know, 8th graders are able to earn off-campus privileges. This year, that meant they needed to host a fundraiser, and they did! (Donate Here).

They chose Malaria.com, and its partner AgainstMalaria, which became the recipient of their efforts. AgainstMalaria an organization that purchases mosquito nets to aid people in the high incident areas of Africa, South America and other areas of the world. The class was quick to point out some frightening facts:

• Over 1 million children die each year from malaria
• Every 20 seconds, someone dies
• Malaria can be prevented at a very low cost ($5/net)
• The nets used (LLIN nets) are sprayed with an insecticide that kills mosquitoes along with preventing night-time bites by acting as a mechanical barrier

Along with a very successful bake sale that raised over $400, the students have been educating kids in the 1st-7th grade about malaria with lessons tailored to their age level. This is such a valuable way to encourage learning, both for the 8th grade presenters and for the younger students and, it's a practice that begins with the Hawk program in the primary classes. It is rewarding to see how this progresses through the years.

When the class was finished explaining their undertakings and providing the many facts that had impressed them to take action, Beth asked them if they wanted to pursue this endeavor further by taking it to other schools. Overwhelmingly, their answer was yes, even when they were told that it might mean a bit more homework because, as she put it, "I can't send you off to high school without knowing basic things like who the Buddha is, so you might need to study more at home ? are you sure you want to take this on"? Again, the reply was "yes" across the room. Impressive, isn't it!

In response, my "To do" list involves contacting other schools so that our eight grade can present what they know about malaria and encourage other schools to raise money for something so simple, a basic net, that is both inexpensive and the best way to save lives. Along with a very successful bake sale that raised over $400, the students have been educating kids in the 1st-7th grade about malaria with lessons tailored to their age level. This is such a valuable way to encourage learning, both for the 8th grade presenters and for the younger students and, it's a practice that begins with the Hawk program in the primary classes. It is rewarding to see how this progresses through the years.

—Kim Fix
Director, Institutional Advancement