Tri-County Students Raise Ukraine Funds

During this time of unrest, students at Tri-County wanted to provide some relief to those in Ukraine. Computer Information Systems and Early Education students championed three fundraising events: Cougar Cares bracelets, Pie for Peace, and a performance of the Ukrainian folktale performed by the preschool students. “Social media opened many eyes and gave us an inside view of what is happening in Ukraine. We work in a field where empathy is important, and we empathized with the people of Ukraine and wanted to give back and help,” said Max Dreon.

Computer Information Systems students Dominic Crisafi of Plainville, Cam Jones of Plainville, and Shawn Dignan of Franklin created a fundraiser that included the sales of yellow and blue bracelets. The “Cougars Care” bracelets were sold during lunch for $2 for a single bracelet or $5 for three bracelets.

Early Education students Max Dreon of North Attleboro, Sophia Holbrook of Walpole, Emma DeGregorio of Medway, and Myah Cabral of Blackstone formed a committee to involve the Tri-County community to raise awareness and funding for the people in Ukraine. They decided on two fundraising efforts, “Pie for Peace,” and a performance including their preschool students of “The Mitten,” a traditional Ukrainian folktale. Myah Cabral said, “For me, it is personal. My sister is in the Navy. War of any kind hits close to home with me. The effect of war on a family is devastating.”

The “Pie for Peace” fundraising effort allowed students to purchase tickets and decide which teacher or staff member would be pied in the face. If you donated, you were eligible to throw the pie. The faculty and staff volunteered to participate and were great sports during the event.

The students also performed “The Mitten” for the friends and families of their preschool students. The students dressed as characters and animals to bring “The Mitten” to life. “Working with children, it is our responsibility to help future generations. A lot of kids are being affected and have no idea why. They were born into an environment and have to suffer through the war,” says Sophia Holbrook.

The combined efforts of the three fundraising events raised over $1,000, which was donated to Straight Ahead Ministries. The students chose to designate the funds to feed families who were displaced or currently in a shelter. “The fundraisers brought the school and student community together. We came in contact with students and teachers we otherwise wouldn’t have. It also strengthened our preschool community as we all worked together for a bigger cause,” commented Emma DeGregorio.