SPUD Week

SPUD Week is an annual tradition at Norman North High School, one of fun, service and philanthropy. Students plan and take part in a variety of activities, with the goal to raise money for local families and non-profit organizations in the Norman community and beyond. Students were excited to see the annual effort return to in-person events and activities, this year. “Coming off a COVID year and still being in the pandemic, we set our goals high,” shared Branby Liu, Norman North senior and a 2022 SPUD Week co-chair. “If there was any year to break a record, this was the year to do it because we wanted to really impact the needs in our community.” This year, the effort raised a record-breaking $256,114.67, but Liu and her fellow co-chairs were also excited to see increased student participation. “We are in awe to see how many people really care about SPUD,” Liu shared. Co-chair senior Avery Eschelman shared that they wanted to engage more students and create an inclusive effort across the entire student body. “COVID forced us to come up with new ideas and be creative and I think that was part of why we were so successful,” Eschelman said. Co-chair senior Olivia Brackin said Norman North students accumulated 2,274 volunteer hours serving

in the Norman community, in addition to the money raised. This year’s fundraising effort will benefit Bridges of Norman, Citizens Caring for Children’s resource center, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and the Andersen family. Felix Andersen, now 4-yrs-old, was diagnosed with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma cancer when he was 3 years old. A portion of SPUD Week funds will help pay for transportation needs, treatments and other expenses for the family.

“What makes SPUD so unique is that we get to pick a family to help,” shared Liu. “Money will also be given to Mrs. Walker’s family to help with funeral expenses.” Melissa Walker taught math at Norman North for 17 years. She passed in November. SPUD Week, which stands for students performing unselfish deeds, started in 2001. In total, the effort has raised more than $2.5 million. – BS