By Julissa De Jesus
Raider Review
Plant City High School teacher Jo Beth Newsome led a fundraiser this month called Prince & Princess to raise money for Relay for Life. The fundraiser was sponsored by the Girls Interact Club.
All PCHS students could participate. Each participant carried a collection jar for 10 days, and the students turned in their money daily. At the end of the contest, the girl and boy that collected the most money were the prince and princess, respectively.
Cole Peterson, 12th grade, and Katelyn Yarbrough, ninth grade, won and were crowned Feb. 10. Students reached more than their goal by raising $1,576.07 total.
“The aspect of this activity that means the most to me is that, for many of the participants, it's not about being prince or princess. It's about the fact that we all know someone who has battled cancer, and many of us have lost loved ones to the disease,” Newsome said. “I would never ask them, but I feel certain the students who have brought in money daily — even the smallest amount — have a personal connection to our cause.”
We talked to Newsome about the fundraiser.
Raider Review: What was your goal?
Newsome: We would like to donate at least $1,000 to Relay for Life.
Raider Review: How many people participated?
Newsome: 26.
Raider Review: What are the winners going to receive?
Newsome: Crown, sash, stuffed bears, gift card.
Raider Review: How did you get the idea for this fundraiser?
Newsome: (Sherrie Mueller, former college and career counselor,) started this several years ago.
Raider Review: When did it begin?
Newsome: Jan. 28.
Raider Review: If this works out, would you do it again?
Newsome: Yes! We've been very successful in the past. The students have a lot of fun.