View Kickoff Dinner Photos Here
At the recent Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Broadcast Kickoff Dinner, Frenship ISD was honored as the 2025 Miracle Pennies K–12 Champion of the Year. This award recognizes a school district whose fundraising efforts not only raise significant funds but also inspire entire communities to unite for a greater cause.
Frenship schools have consistently demonstrated creativity, compassion, and commitment to the annual Miracle Pennies campaign. Over the years, the district has raised a lifetime total of $275,000, all of which directly benefits patients at UMC Children’s Hospital in Lubbock. This year’s recognition is a testament to the impact of Frenship’s students, staff, and families who continue to rally together in support of children across the South Plains.
"Frenship has been a rockstar. So many campuses get involved, and we have so many Miracle Kids that attend Frenship, so to celebrate them and to raise money for them means so much," said Misti Welch, UMC Chief Philanthropy Officer and Vice President.
Several students and staff from Frenship campuses who fundraised for Miracle Pennies last year attended the kickoff event, including Frenship High School, Frenship Memorial High School (including freshmen who were at the Ninth Grade Center last year), Heritage Middle School, and Ridgewood Elementary. Students and staff had the opportunity to hear stories of local families impacted by CMN, and brainstorm new fundraising strategies for the year ahead.
For students like Lily Cantu, a senior at Frenship High School and member of Student Council, the evening was especially meaningful.
“We always love having the opportunity to help support UMC Children’s Hospital, but being here really made me emotional and get goosebumps because you get to see the people you are impacting, and it was just so cool,” said Cantu. “It’s giving me more ideas and more motivation about the impact we can make, and it’s getting me excited to get these ideas rolling!”
Heritage Middle School teacher and Junior National Honor Society sponsor Kim Thomson brought several of her students to the kickoff dinner with the hopes they'll see the true impact they're making right here in the South Plains.
"One of the things about Miracle Pennies is that it's kids helping kids. I think when the students are involved and see the impact it has and that it stays here in Lubbock, it resonates with them because they know they're making an impact. It could be someone they know or possibly one of them someday, so it has that lasting impact and they know they're leaving a legacy," said Thomson.
With another year of fundraising ahead, Frenship ISD is ready to build on this momentum and continue making a difference for local children in need.