SOS’s newest program is called the Tribute Program. The Tribute Program is the only fundraiser specifically for SOS and set up as a way to thank administrators and teachers.
The Tributes are available in the main office at any point of the year, where you can make a tribute to another person for the occasions of a birthday, anniversary, get well, congratulations, holidays, or something else. You can make in memory of someone if there has been a death.
The minimum amount is 10 dollars but you can donate any amount.
“We want people to know it is tax deductable and all proceeds go to SOS” Carpenter said.
The person in whom the tribute is given will receive a note that is also published in the Seaholm newsletter.
“We just launched the program and we hope parents and students use to say thank you to teachers for something like writing letter of recommendation or just being a good teacher” Carpenter said.
When parent volunteers Mary Carpenter and Lisa Corey were faced with the task of creating a blow-out all night party and at the same time please parents who complained the party of becoming too excessive, they decided to give something back to their Seaholm community. It was in when planning 2008’s all-night party that they came up with the idea of SOS (Seaholm Offers Support).
“We hear of people donating to American Cancer or Make a Wish when people right here in our school need help” Mary Carpenter, founder of SOS, said.
The All-Night party committee supported the idea of SOS and decided that any leftover funds from the party would go to SOS.
SOS has continued its program extending into this year and years to come, discovering many other ways to help to community.
The student branch of SOS emerged with the help of two students whom Carpenter and Corey knew from the dance team. Allison Mullen and Amanda Smith, along with the help of parent and student volunteers started the SOS club.
“Mr. Piper has so much experience as principal and he said the best way to get students involved is to start a club” Carpenter said.
“I joined SOS because I really liked how connected I could be with the Seaholm community and people in need,” Megan Smith, SOS Club member said.
Parent volunteers are also very welcome to join as volunteers or committee members. Parent involvement was apparent when Renné Moore had a surgery and needed rides to and from therapy. An email was put an email out to all parents who had said they wanted to volunteer.
“So many parents volunteered and wanted to drive that we had to turn people away,” said Carpenter. “Everyone just wanted to help.”
“In general, we’re really fortunate to have incredible parent involvement” Assistant Principal Staci Peterson said. “SOS has done a tremendous job supporting the Seaholm community.”
SOS also hosts the annual “Seaholm’s Got Talent” Talent Show in which students can participate or help put together and run for community service hours.
Next year’s talent show is set for Wednesday February 10th, 2010.
“I really loved how SOS was able to start a new tradition at Seaholm” Smith said. “I know in the next few years it’s only going to get bigger and better.”
