Wild for Cats is a movement that supports Lake Highlands High School’s academic booster club. It originated in 2008, but enthusiastic parents and neighborhood homeowners have revitalized the campaign because, they explain: as goes our neighborhood high school, so goes Lake Highlands home values and the widespread perception of our community. Prior donors, parents and Lake Highlands graduates should expect solicitation letters by mail, but organizers encourage every resident of Lake Highlands to participate.
“High quality neighborhood schools anchor and enrich communities,” notes a promotional flyer. “This is especially true in Lake Highlands, where schools are the cornerstone of this vibrant hometown.”
Funds raised will buy a multimedia center for the library, an electronic marquee, finance student and teacher incentive programs, and equip students with technology needed to excel, according to Wild for Cats chairperson Kari Urban.
“In previous years, funds were used to create and pay for a college and career counselor position at the school — a counselor who helps students find and apply for college scholarships — but now that valuable position is funded by Richardson ISD, so those funds can be used in other areas,” Urban says.
The annual fundraising target is $500,000. Advanced Placement English teacher David Wood notes that the Wild for Cats Academic Booster Club has “mitigated some of the damage to the LHHS infrastructure and human resources caused by recent budget cuts.” Principal Frank Miller adds, “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.” To donate and learn more about Wild for Cats, visit wildforcats.com.
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