Last week, National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) students from Heritage Middle School and the student council officers from Upland Heights Elementary attended the Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Pennies Kickoff Luncheon hosted by the University Medical Center.  

The students were invited to the luncheon to hear how the program works and how our school can participate. They were also given resources to help run a successful program. Students learned how the donations impact UMC Children's Hospital and how they benefit children in our area. 

KCBD's Karen McCay and Abner Euresti helped host the event and have been helping to run the Miracle Pennies fundraiser locally for years.  Students share ideas to help raise money varying from dress-up days, penny wars, sports tournaments at the schools, and contests among teachers/principals or students. 

The Frenship groups in attendance collaborated with other local schools to get inspired and excited for the upcoming fundraiser. They set their campus goals and worked out how to get their schools excited to participate. Throughout the luncheon, the Frenship students embodied the Frenship Way by engaging, respecting, and encouraging those around them. Read more about the Frenship Way HERE.

In attendance for Heritage was the NJHS President and Vice-President, since they will be heading the fundraising at their middle school. The HMS NJHS has been participating in Miracle Pennies Fundraiser since 2011. They are passionate about the cause and continue to exceed their fundraising goal each year.  

Karsyn Truesdell, Caly Truelock, Bentlee Molina, and Hudson Kitten represented the Upland Heights Student Council at the luncheon. Seeing how the donations impact the children and families in the community created a desire to help others within the elementary students. 

Tiffany Beeles, Upland Heights Student Council Advisor, stated that it is important for students to get involved in the community for several reasons. “Being a part of something bigger than themselves allows them to see how they can impact our community,” said Beeles. “It helps to develop empathy for people, develop leadership skills, and they see how their actions positively impact our community.”