Jr. high students dance day away

By CLAUDIA GONZALEZ
Special to the WCR
Edmonton

This was the 13th annual marathon dance where money is raised to help out such charities as WIN House, the Youth Emergency Shelter, the Sacred Heart Christmas Party, and the Sign of Hope campaign.

This event has not only become a tradition in the school, but it has also become a symbol of the students' gift of giving at Christmas. The event has not only enjoyed the widespread support of the staff and students of the school, but also the support of the entire community.

"It gives us a chance to give to the less fortunate and it shows that we can have fun while giving support," said school council president, Christine Douziech, about the event.

Indeed having fun was the key word for many of the students in attendance. To attend this event, students collected pledges from anyone who might want to sponsor them, which in some cases turned out to be a time-consuming task.

This was all the better for Geoffrey, who raised $100 and was looking forward to be eligible for the many awesome prizes that were given away. Prizes ranged from CD players, eligible to be won by anyone who raised $50 worth of pledges to a 35-inch TV, which students could enter to win only if they had $100 worth of pledges.

Entire classes were also rewarded for bringing in money as the top grades 7, 8 and 9 classes were treated to a pizza party. All students in attendance were also treated to a delicious pasta dinner, to give them a much-needed boost of energy.

Students did not deny that yes, they wanted to win a prize, but most were content with helping organizations which need the money, especially at this time of the year.

"Louis St. Laurent is known for its generosity and enthusiastic spirit," said Jan McDonald, one of the co-ordinators of the dance. It was no surprise to her that all the students feel good about the event and look forward to it every year.

The climax of this event will come Tuesday, Dec. 14, when the school will hold an Advent celebration where the charities will be presented with half of the money from the dance.

Archbishop Thomas Collins will attend to preside over the charity presentations. While it is not yet known how much was raised this year, co-ordinators expect it to surpass the $10,000 collected in 1998.

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