Stomping for a Cause

Kristen Calvert, Staff Writer|March 9, 2016

Key Club introduced the Balloon Stomp to benefit the St. Jude’s Hospital for sick children in 2015. As it was successful they tried for a repeat in 2016. Many students participated or donated money for the cause. Some teachers donated extra money so that more students could participate in the fun activity, while also helping out children and their families that really need it.

“…with donations, we are sending 50 dollars,” Ms. Zink said.

Stephanie Hyde, president of Key Club, coordinated the Balloon Stomp, and fellow Key Club members also helped to organize everything to make it run smoothly.

“It was not hard to coordinate the event, because there are so many people in Key Club who are willing to help. So that makes my job as president very easy,” Hyde said.

Hyde said, “Students and faculty get the opportunity to donate to a great cause while going in a head to head battle. It’s a great way to bring out the competitive side in all of us.”

One of the faculty members that takes this event very seriously is Mr. Tancrell. He has participated every year and donated to the children’s hospital.

The strategy Mr. Tancrell used was to “SEEK AND DESTROY,” said Tancrell.

Many students were glad they participated in the school event to help children. Also, a lot of students plan to join in again next year.

“I was very happy I participated, and I plan on doing it again next year,” Luis Vasquez said.

As more people got their balloons popped, the area where the remaining people compete gradually got smaller, so it got harder to keep the participants’ balloons from getting popped. The last group that was left in the center circle were Luis Vasquez, Mr. Holland, and Jack Dregne.

Vasquez said, “I sat in a corner and ran away from people.”

This strategy led Vasquez all the way to victory as he was left with only one balloon.

The event had students interact with each other in an active way. Even though not everyone could win the Balloon Stomp, most importantly; many children ended up winning from the donations given from the donors and participants.