SEBRING, Ohio – Sebring McKinley Jr./Sr. High School has launched its annual fundraiser to honor the memory of former student and classmate Emily Waseman.
Emily, who lost her battle with cancer in elementary school, will continue to be remembered through this year’s outreach efforts. Each year, Sebring students choose a different cause to support in her honor, and this year’s chosen charity is 50 Legs, an organization dedicated to providing prosthetics to individuals in need.
The fundraising campaign kicked off earlier this month, with guest speaker Kristin Fox, associate principal at Northeast Ohio Impact. Fox shared her personal story of resilience after facing a life-altering experience in 2020 that resulted in the loss of both her arms and legs.
“We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Fox for joining us and sharing her inspirational story,” said Nicole Mathias, a teacher at Sebring McKinley and advisor for the annual fundraising project. “Her strength and determination are a true inspiration for our students to kick off their efforts to raise money for 50 Legs, working together to make a difference in the lives of others.”
Each year, students select local individuals or organizations that address life-changing challenges.
“We’ve named our annual fundraising effort Emily’s Project as a way to unite our students, staff and the Sebring community in keeping her memory alive while supporting others,” Mathias said.
The class officers have organized various activities this month, including dollar days, penny wars, a bake sale and T-shirt sales. At the end of the month, they’ll have an assembly to reveal the amount raised.
To make a donation or learn more about how to support the fundraiser, contact Mathias at nmathias@sebring.k12.oh.us or Carolyn Hollback at chollback@sebring.k12.oh.us.
CREDIT: Sebring Local Schools.
Pictured at top: Sebring McKinley class officers join guest speaker Kristin Fox, at right in the back row, to kick off their annual fundraiser, Emily’s Project, in memory of a former classmate.