Cottonwood High community comes together to bring hope

Cottonwood High School girls basketball coach and history and government teacher Janae Hirschi wanted to teach her students and female athletes a lesson beyond the classroom and the basketball court.

One can read of devastation and tragedy and wish to do something to help, or one could use that information as a call to action and actually do something to help. After the devastating tsunami in Japan, Hirschi rallied her troops and put together a benefit to help with relief efforts in Japan and simply called it, “Hope for Japan.”

The event had something for everyone. Admission was just $8 per family, and hundreds of people came out to support the cause. Students from each class ran entertainment and carnival type booths. Kids could have their face painted or braid feathers in their hair. T-shirts were sold, a bounce house was provided, and musical entertainment and ATOP Polynesian dancers performed.

Several football players from BYU, as well as Fahu Tahi from the Minnesota Vikings and Edwin Mulitalo from the Baltimore Ravens, attended to sign footballs and autographs.

“This event really was a ton of fun for everyone,” said Hayley King, girls basketball team member. “I loved being a part of it and knowing that the money was going for a good cause.”

Students hung fliers in local restaurants, went on the news and told as many family and friends they could about the event to bring in as much money as possible. Throughout the evening, 15-minute video clips were shown of the crisis in Japan to remind people what the money was for and why they were there. The event raised more than $7,000, which was donated to the American Red Cross.

“The Hope for Japan event was a huge success,” Hirschi said. “The students of Cottonwood were not only able to help the people of Japan but they were able to learn a valuable lesson of giving back. The Peer Leadership team, girls basketball team and other Cottonwood students have something to be proud of. The faculty and I are very proud of them as well. These kids will do great things throughout the years to come. We all wish Japan the best and they are in our prayers.”