A Triumph of Unity: Lakewood High School Exceeds ROAR Week Goal, Builds Preschool

Beyond bricks and mortar, this year's ambitious goal to fundraise for a preschool in the Amolatar District, adjacent to Global Leaders Primary School in Uganda, not only exceeded expectations, but set to break generational cycles of limited access to education.

In an extraordinary feat of collective effort and unwavering commitment, Lakewood High School has surpassed all expectations during this year's ROAR Week. The goal? Ambitious yet inspiring — to fundraise for the construction of a preschool in the Amolatar District, adjacent to Global Leaders Primary School in Uganda. The outcome? A triumphant success that exceeded even my dreams.

As a newcomer to Lakewood High School, diving into ROAR Week felt like plunging into a sea of vibrant energy and purpose. From the bustling hallways adorned with colorful flyers and posters to the spirited cheers echoing through the gymnasium, the atmosphere was electric with enthusiasm and determination. It was a whirlwind of activities and emotions, leaving an indelible mark on my heart and soul.

One of the most memorable moments was witnessing the sheer determination of students during the Cash Dash. As they sprinted by, clutching the heavy cash canister and vying to be the next to make a contribution, it was clear that the spirit of giving was alive and well at Lakewood High School. The camaraderie and sense of competition were palpable, fueling a collective drive to make a difference.

Perhaps my favorite aspect of ROAR Week was the collective excitement that accompanied each donation. As the total funds raised steadily climbed, students would pass by, marveling at our progress and expressing disbelief at how quickly we were reaching our goal. It was a testament to the power of unity and the incredible impact that can be achieved when individuals come together for a common purpose.

Jayme, Ritah and I were amazed with the heaviness of these coins. We were so eager to count them before multi cultural night.

Throughout ROAR Week, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the level of school spirit and togetherness on display. From the assembly to the t-shirt sales, every activity was infused with a palpable sense of pride and unity. It was inspiring to see students from all walks of life come together, united in their commitment to making a difference in the world.

On the final day of ROAR week, as the total funds raised were revealed during the closing ceremony, $21,000, emotions reached a crescendo. Tears of joy and gratitude flowed down my face as we collectively realized the magnitude of our achievement — not only had we met our goal, but we had exceeded it. Building a preschool had transformed from a distant dream into a tangible reality.

As tears of joy streamed down our faces during the closing ceremony, it was not just about exceeding a fundraising goal; it was about exceeding the expectations of what compassion, determination, and a united community can achieve. This was real.

To say that we built a preschool feels like an understatement. What we've accomplished extends far beyond the physical construction; we've built a bridge between communities, a conduit for knowledge, and a beacon of hope for generations to come. Exceeding our fundraising goal has created a legacy of impact, demonstrating the strength that emerges when a community comes together for a shared purpose.

As I reflect on my ROAR Week experience, I am filled with hope for the future. The passion and dedication demonstrated by students give me confidence that we can indeed make this world a more equitable place. With their unwavering spirit and determination, I have no doubt that the impact of ROAR Week will be felt far beyond the walls of Lakewood High School, shaping the lives of countless individuals for years to come.

I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of ROAR Week. Your generosity, compassion, and unwavering commitment have made a profound difference in the lives of others, and for that, I am truly grateful. Together, we have proven that when we stand united, we can accomplish anything. Thank you Lakewood for showing us what it means to believe.