UM middle school students to raise money for charities

UPPER MERION >> Students, teachers and staff at the Upper Merion Area Middle School will come together for a display of Viking pride, Viking Values, school spirit and fun on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019, to raise money for several causes, including the Upper Merion Community Cupboard Food Pantry and childhood cancer research.

Middle school students will make a donation for “privileges” during the day, which include a chance to throw a pie in a “favorite” teacher’s face, a chance to dunk a teacher or principal, a “shout out” with a song, or a chance to participate in the legendary student versus teacher football game. Top administrators in the district have valiantly stepped forward to take the icy plunge in the dunk tank!

Viking Relief Day had its genesis in a group of teachers, including Viking Relief Day coordinator and Social Studies teacher Pete Cress, who saw the necessity for students to become more active citizens in their community. The project is an effort to increase awareness of the needs of the community through a service and civic response. Last year alone, Viking Relief raised over $6000, bringing the total to $80,000 in the past fourteen years. Contributions have been made to Alex’s Lemonade, Pancreatic Cancer Society, Breast Cancer Society, Super T’s Mast Cell Foundation, the Viking Relief Fund, and Upper Merion Emergency Relief Fund. Furthermore, over 3500 canned goods have been donated to local shelters, and over 200 pairs of glasses given to the Lions Club. This year, local businesses in and around King of Prussia have generously contributed to the event—including Giant Food Stores, Wegman’s, Jimmy Johns, Petrucci’s, Kona Ice and Hedgehog Grill.

The students versus staff football game will be held on the football field starting at 1:20 p.m., while the entire student body from grades five through eight will be in the bleachers cheering on their classmates and enjoying the afternoon together for a good cause. Students will also enjoy a snack and participate in various stations on the “Midway,” including face painting and the ever popular dunk tank, set up around the perimeter of the field. The day is designed to be both fun and educational for students, who will learn firsthand the importance of giving back to their community.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Middle School staff turned football team come together to challenge students in annual Teacher-Student Football Game.