Fort Couch Reach Out effort raises more than $22,000
Fort Couch Middle School students raised more than $22,000 through the school’s annual Reach Out campaign that spanned 10 days in December. The final total was announced during a school-wide assembly on Dec. 22.
The effort was spearheaded by the Fort Couch Student Council and its sponsor, Eliza Luxbacher, with support from the school’s administration, teachers and PTSO.
“This year’s effort felt especially special because students truly leaned into the spirit by actively raising money independently of their family and friends’ contributions,” Luxbacher said. “Students held their own fundraisers through offering services in their neighborhoods; some students went door-to-door asking for donations. It is empowering to see students’ energy and effort toward being in service to others.”
All six teams of seventh- and eighth-graders raced to collect the most donations. For the second year in a row, Team 2 was the highest earning team. Team 2 students and teachers earned an ice-skating field trip, which will take place in February.
While the spirit of competition provided added excitement, the school community was more moved by the spirit of giving.
“The annual Reach Out initiative is important because it allows our school community the opportunity to practice gratitude and to reflect on all of the resources and access we have in our lives,” Luxbacher said. “It provides students the opportunity to team together to support others and to experience the feeling of fulfillment that accompanies generosity.”
The Helen Keller quote, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” puts into perspective the impact that Fort Couch students can have on others within their community and beyond. Luxbacher hopes that Reach Out campaign is impactful as students find new ways to make a difference in their community and world.
“I hope that students recognize the immense ability they have to make a difference when they work together in an effort to uplift others,” she said. “It is so thrilling to be all together in the gym during our Reach Out assembly, to hear the total collected announced, and to celebrate togetherness as we recognize the love and thought that was placed into making the initiative successful. It is my hope that students’ middle school experiences in giving will encourage them to seek opportunities to share and to support moving forward.”
While Luxbacher and the Fort Couch Student Council are proud of the 2022 Reach Out campaign, they are ready to tackle additional projects this spring.
“I am appreciative of Student Council’s effort toward making Reach Out happen,” Luxbacher said. “We look forward to continuing to create meaningful experiences for students and for our community throughout the remainder of the school year.”
The money raised will be divided among the following organizations: Miracle League of the South Hills; Giant Eagle Gift Cards to Upper St. Clair Township Police Department; Bike MS and Hope for Haiti.