HPHS Kids Star In Charity Drive

Going The Distance
When the dust settled and he knew his legs and feet were still there, Gabe DeAngelo, a freshman with a ton of heart, discovered he had circumnavigated the Highland Park gym thirty-eight times in one forty-two-minute period. That is not only saying something, that is going all out for a cause you enthusiastically support.

Marc Samsky -- finance committee chair and Rory’s cousin, saw success as a factor of “ how much the kids, faculty, and community cared and took part. You could feel the fact that it meant something special to people. There was so much participation, it was awesome!”

Matt Feinstein -- co-president of the Student Senate said, “It could not have gone much better. We have worked with other charities before and they have been phenomenal charities, but working with something that is so family oriented and close to home made this even more special. You would see students wearing these Rory t-shirts. You would walk through the halls and not be able to count the number of people who had them on. The people we worked with from The Foundation were incredible, too. It really means a lot to them and coming in contact with them makes it mean a lot to you.”

Katie Hinden -- co-president of the student senate focused on the fact that, “The whole month was different. Kids came up with their own ideas and initiatives, such as Gabe DeAngelo. Gabe made up a pledge sheet to get donations based on how many laps of the gym he could run in single period. He surprised everyone with an amazing performance. That awesome feat (and Gabe’s awesome feet) earned $1,300. He really went the distance!”

Gabe was one example of the multitude of young people who gave of their time and energy to provide “brighter tomorrows” for children afflicted with this dreaded disease.