Grandville students compete, raise funds in ‘Senior Survivor' challenge
The event called is raising money for the district's Student Assistance Fund and the local nonprofit . Participants will stay at the high school overnight until Friday, competing in two challenges each day — one for reward money and another for immunity from elimination. The senior with the least amount of money raised each day is eliminated, with the winner crowned at a Friday assembly.
This year, the event has expanded to include students from Grandville's elementary, intermediate and middle schools, who are also raising money for the cause.
'We get the elementary schools — having their junior survivors, along with our intermediate and middle schools. We can partner with them,' Justin Hoezee, a competing senior, said
Ingrid Vredevoogd, a teacher and Senior Survivor advisor, added, 'They help do fundraising at their own school on behalf of our senior survivors, and they just are able to feel a part of it. It brings the whole community together.'
Now in its fourth year, the competition has already raised substantial funds for the two organizations. Last year, the event brought in $48,000. The goal for this year is $50,000.
The Student Assistance Fund helps pay for programs such as the high school's emotional support dog, college tours for seniors and essential needs for struggling families, including winter gear and transportation. For senior contestant Grace Richardson, the cause is personal.
'One of the core memories I have from my high school is going to an HBCU (Historically Black College and University) tour, and I knew that was paid for by the student assistance fund,' Richardson said. 'Just knowing that some kids will be able to use the money for good here throughout the community is going to be so amazing.'
The second beneficiary, Hand-2-Hand, works to eliminate child hunger in the area.
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