Student Pitching-In To Save School District
By: Jocelyn Tovar, KARK 4 NEWS
Updated: January 19, 2013
One in central Arkansas classified by the state as being in "Fiscal Distress" could be consolidated with near by districts if they don't find a way to make ends meet.
So booster clubs for the Western Yell County School District are trying to pull themselves up by the boot straps.
A student in particular named Caitlyn Laster, is doing anything she can to help.
The bright 13-year-old has always made bracelets and key chains for fundraisers like the foundation to fight blindness and the Susan G. Komen foundation.
"Hardest part is really the letters," she said, "I memorize the dividers."
Her mother sorts the colors and Caitlyn memorizes where each sits because she can't do that part herself.
You see Caitlyn lost her eyesight when she was just 17-months-old.
"I don't let it bother me at all," she said and added her teachers and school always encouraged her independence and never made her feel different.
"I've gone there my whole life," she said, "They've been amazing."
She wanted to give back to the school that was always there for her.
"Maybe I can help the school," she decided, "Help them keep it going and make a little bit of a difference."
She's now selling her key chains to try and cut their debt and selling them to surrounding school districts who aren't in financial distress.
"I've done Belleville, Dardanelle, Russellville and Two Rivers," she said.
"I'll make the most of it and if it's not enough," she said, "I hope the money can go back into the community somehow and help out the town."
She said she won't be disappointed if the district still comes up short because she did everything she could to help.
Not just Caitlyn but as we mentioned the school's booster clubs also doing fundraisers.
Anyone that wises to donate or order from Caitlyn in her effort to save the school can send donations to:
Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce c/o Caitlyn's SOS Fund, P.O. Box 238, Belleville, AR 72824 and feel free to include a note to Caitlyn.
The school's booster club has an account set up with Chambers Bank in account number 6460741.
So booster clubs for the Western Yell County School District are trying to pull themselves up by the boot straps.
A student in particular named Caitlyn Laster, is doing anything she can to help.
The bright 13-year-old has always made bracelets and key chains for fundraisers like the foundation to fight blindness and the Susan G. Komen foundation.
"Hardest part is really the letters," she said, "I memorize the dividers."
Her mother sorts the colors and Caitlyn memorizes where each sits because she can't do that part herself.
You see Caitlyn lost her eyesight when she was just 17-months-old.
"I don't let it bother me at all," she said and added her teachers and school always encouraged her independence and never made her feel different.
"I've gone there my whole life," she said, "They've been amazing."
She wanted to give back to the school that was always there for her.
"Maybe I can help the school," she decided, "Help them keep it going and make a little bit of a difference."
She's now selling her key chains to try and cut their debt and selling them to surrounding school districts who aren't in financial distress.
"I've done Belleville, Dardanelle, Russellville and Two Rivers," she said.
"I'll make the most of it and if it's not enough," she said, "I hope the money can go back into the community somehow and help out the town."
She said she won't be disappointed if the district still comes up short because she did everything she could to help.
Not just Caitlyn but as we mentioned the school's booster clubs also doing fundraisers.
Anyone that wises to donate or order from Caitlyn in her effort to save the school can send donations to:
Belleville Area Chamber of Commerce c/o Caitlyn's SOS Fund, P.O. Box 238, Belleville, AR 72824 and feel free to include a note to Caitlyn.
The school's booster club has an account set up with Chambers Bank in account number 6460741.
Comments
So proud of you Caitlyn and if this doesn't inspire people nothing will.
Pamela M.
January 21, 2013 at 9:46 am
Caitlyn is an inspiration to all of us!
Allison A.
January 19, 2013 at 8:19 pm
So proud of this amazing girl from our community!
Donna W.
January 19, 2013 at 8:12 pm
