Warsaw Community High School students raised $6,000 for Riley Children’s Foundation through various student led events. Shown in front, with the check, from left, are Michelle Wysong, adviser; Troy Akers, principal; Diane Wack, Riely committee chairwoman; and Camille Kerlin, 2015 Riley Champion a child ambassador for the hospital. In back are Cameron Hoskins, student; Blake Schritter, student body president; and Meredith Phipps, student.

Embracing a key portion of the school’s mission, Warsaw Community High School students have shown they are “enriching the lives of others.”

Throughout the year, but focusing on one week of the year, students at WCHS raised $6,000 for Riley Children’s Foundation. Projects included a dance marathon on March 28 and hosting Riley week with various events each day. Events included $1 day, hat day and obtaining donations during a basketball game.

The school’s Octagon Club raised $1,000 for the fund by selling fall displays to area businesses and individuals. Octagon Club President Camille Kerlin is the 2015 Riley Champion, a child ambassador for the hospital.

Troy Akers, school principal, stated this year’s donation is the highest amount raised by the school. “We have been committed to Riley for the last 19 years.” Akers stated more student participation is being seen school-wide. “It’s good to see kids working together.”

“One thing that makes Warsaw Community High School different than some of the other schools is this is totally student funded,” he said, adding some schools solicit funds from area businesses. “The students have taken this on and it provides a sense the kids live the mission statement. It embeds a student service initiation and sets us apart. The spirit of giving crosses all of our socioeconomic areas. All students can participate.”

Akers added nearly every student knows someone who has been at Riley at some point. “We have several students currently making trips to Riley.

Warsaw Community High School has been named a Riley School for a number of years and the corporation has been named a Riley Corporation. The designations come from the school and corporation donating funds equal to the number of students. Across the state there are less than a dozen schools able to meet these goals.