Ellen Bryant, incoming LHFC PTSA president; Elizabeth Selzer, MHE PTA president; Kay Shelton, FMJH PTA president; Frank Miller, LHHS principal; Kari Urban, Wild for Cats chairman; Dora Velez, PAC representative
Lake Highlands community members are kicking off the Wild for Cats campaign, an effort to improve the academic success of LHHS students through an Academic Booster Club. Wild for Cats first started in 2008, but enthusiastic parents and LH homeowners have revitalized the campaign, recognizing that – as goes LHHS, so goes Lake Highlands home values and the perception of the neighborhood in the community.
Prior donors, current parents and graduates of LHHS will receive solicitation letters by mail, but every resident of Lake Highlands is encouraged to participate in the project.
“High quality neighborhood schools anchor and enrich communities,” says the invitational flyer. “This is especially true in Lake Highlands, where schools are the cornerstone of this vibrant ‘hometown.’”
Funds raised will be used to purchase equipment and material for students which RISD cannot provide. This includes updated technology, a multi-media center for the library, an electronic marquee, student and teacher incentive programs, and other expanded learning opportunities for students. In previous years, funds were used to create and pay for the College and Career Counselor (now funded by the district), Fine Arts (including auditorium) enhancements, technology, staff development, tutoring support, and a variety of other programs.
Wild for Cats has set an annual target of $500,000.
“Since its inception,” says longtime AP English Instructor David Wood on the flyer, “Wild for Cats Academic Booster Club has mitigated some of the damage to the LHHS infrastructure and human resources caused by Recapture’s half million dollar annual budget cuts. We must fund Wild for Cats at levels that ensure that our students receive the 21st Century educational opportunities of a School of Champions. The LH community can realize that vision through its thoughtful generosity.”
Principal Frank Miller agrees.
“Our progress as a community cannot happen without the academic progress of Lake Highlands High School. And there is no better investment than in the minds of our youth.”
You can make a donation, and learn more about Wild for Cats, at wildforcats.com.
