Voice
The
Senior Memories Page 11-14
Gretna High School • 11335 South 204th Street • Gretna, NE 68028 • Volume IX • Issue VI• May 2011
submitted photo
Making a Difference The money made at the GHS fundraiser was donated to a school in Africa where few have shoes.
photos by Lauren Sawyer
ONE
DAY
OUT
WITH
SHOES
Kennedy Healy Feature/In-Depth Editor
On Apr. 5, 2011, people across the nation went without shoes to raise awareness for those less fortunate who do not own shoes. The day was inspired by the company TOMS shoes because their motto is that for every pair of shoes sold, TOMS will give one to a child in need. This year, GHS decided to have its very own day without shoes. Because of timing, GHS was not able to have its on the national day. Instead, on Friday, Apr. 8 students wore socks periods one through three. In order to do this, students were required to pay $1 during lunch and wear a sticker. Ellen Emanuel ‘11 presented the idea to Principal, Mr. Roger Miller because she thought the cause was important and should be stressed in schools. “I thought it was a really good idea and it was important for people to understand how important little things like shoes are to underdeveloped countries,” Emanuel said. She had help from many different people. The first to volunteer were her sisters, Nicole ‘13 and LaRee Emanuel ‘14, along with Trace Mannewitz ‘14, Olivia Gahan ‘11 and Elise Gahan’13. “There were a lot of people really excited about it and willing to help,” Emanuel said.
Mr. Miller wanted to make sure the day was taken seriously among students. He presented the idea of charging $1 to participate. “I thought it was a pretty good cause, but I also wanted her [Emanuel] and the students to take some ownership of this,” Miller said. “Instead of kids just running around with no shoes I thought it was important that if kids wanted to do this, they pay a dollar.” The fundraiser raised over $150 and they decided to give the money to a school in Machame, Tanzania which is near eastern Africa. Volunteer Aimee Zuniga, a sophomore at UNO explained the need in the area. The school is less than 10 years old and highly stresses education. Shoes are required for the children to attend school. Daily, Zuniga witnessed children walking awkwardly as they try to keep crumbling flip flops- all they can afford- on their feet by scrunching their toes. Most children’s limited resources force them to use flip flops so worn that holes have developed. Other shoes were used and donated from people like us. GHS’ contribution has made Zuniga hopeful for the children’s health and happiness. “I can’t express how grateful I am that you guys chose this school that I adore,” Zuniga said. “It’s really just a blessing.”