Teacher John Moore demonstrates the school’s 3d printer
You’ve heard of booster clubs for sports, band and Highlandettes at Lake Highlands High School, but what about academics? Most know LHHS is the only RISD high school to sell every season ticket for Friday night football, and fans are pulling out their all-black game gear for tonight’s basketball playoffs, but does the community care as much about what goes on in the classroom?
Absolutely, say supporters of Wild for Cats (WFC), LHHS’ academic booster club, which just kicked off their 2019 fundraising effort. The group, originally created in 2006 to overcome funds lost to “Robin Hood” recapture, was founded by Jim Adams and other concerned parents and supported by veteran English teacher David Wood, then-principal Dr. Bob Iden and then-administrative assistant Karen Clardy now an RISD school board member. Disbursements are driven by “wish lists” from teachers, staff members and involved parents, and past purchases include the school’s high-tech LED marquee, college-style collaborative learning centers and the Six Pillars of Good Character display in the Student Center which derived from the LH Exchange Club’s monthly Character Counts Award. WFC originally helped fund the LHHS’ College and Career Counselor, later adopted by the district and replicated at other RISD schools. This year, donations will pay for SAT and ACT registration for sophomores and juniors to increase college application, acceptance and scholarship rates. Funds will also be used for enhanced technology, staff development, tutoring and other needs.
“Wild for Cats is a life-changing academic booster that, over the years, has helped enhance educational experiences for thousands of students through the generosity of our community,” says Dr. Joshua Delich, principal of LHHS. “What an amazing opportunity to invest in the lives of our students.”
Fundraising chairs Tom and Kay Shelton agree.
“With a graduating senior and a current freshman, we have a personal interest,” says Kay, “but it is most rewarding to see the appreciation and smiles from teachers and students when they are able to get that something extra to enhance how they teach and how their students learn it.”
If you’d like to invest in academics at LHHS, you may donate online here or mail a contribution to Wild for Cats to LHHS at 9449 Church Road. Donors will receive a yard sign, be recognized at academic programs throughout the year and be named in the Wildcat All Sports Program.
Criminal Justice students
RISD’s only construction classroom is at LHHS
Students are building a tiny house
