Lounsberry students raise more than $1,000 for Doctors Without Borders

“Mrs. Paolini, we have to do something!” This was the statement made my Katlyn Stellingwerf, a sixth grader at Lounsberry Hollow Middle School in Vernon, after she had seen a report on the situation in Darfur. Along with her friends and with the support of the students, faculty and administration, Stellingwerf decided to put her ideas into action. Through Paolini’s School Wide Enrichment program, Stellingwerf’s committee decided to hold a Crazy Hair and Hat Day to raise money for “Doctors Without Borders”, the nonprofit humanitarian group that volunteers medical aid throughout the world. This group was chosen because a New Jersey physician active in Darfur, Dr. Jerry Ehrlich, visited Lounsberry Hollow last year during Peace Day and spoke about his experiences. He had a significant impact with his unforgettable stories and powerful drawings he smuggled out of the region. Ehrlich was contacted and arrangements were made to donate the money raised to “Doctors Without Borders” to benefit their work in Darfur. Not only did the students have fun with their clever hair-dos and outrageous hats, they also made generous donations totaling $1,105.50. Congratulations, Stellingwerf, and students of Lounsberry Hollow for making a difference.