Whitko High School students engage in a fierce game of dodgeball for a good cause. (Photos by Amanda McFarland)

By Amanda McFarland

SOUTH WHITLEY — Whitko High School students dodged for a good cause Friday afternoon, Feb. 25, during the sixth annual Jarrod’s Day dodgeball tournament.

Jarrod’s Day was first implemented in 2010 in honor of then-senior Jarrod Lewis following an accident that left him severely injured. Initially, Jarrod’s Day was designed as a fundraiser for Lewis’s family to help pay for medical expenses, including a van with a wheelchair lift, a therapeutic water bed and medications.

Just a few years after the first Jarrod’s Day, the fundraiser proceeds went to help with Lewis’s funeral expenses.

Jarrod’s Day continues, however, and now students and school employees choose a different Whitko family each year and donate the funds to them.

Principal John Snyder was hired in February, so this was his first Jarrod’s Day event.

“When I see the generosity of the kids here, I’m just amazed,” Snyder said.

An auction took place Wednesday, which raised $2,500. Teachers donated items, ranging from butler services for a day to baked goods, Fort Wayne Tin Caps tickets and Rise-N-Roll gift cards. Math teacher John Strayer donated the chance for two students to throw pies in his face.

Students payed $1 apiece to get into the tournament. Teams of eight competed for the right to participate in the final, which involved a team of teachers, faculty and staff.

Overall, fundraiser events for the week raised $4,334.57.