Local students are mixing their school work with service projects that take them into communities to get a first-hand look at life outside the classroom. Many are involved in fund drives to raise money for worthy causes.

        Mount Notre Dame High School, 711 E. Columbia Ave., Reading, raised $6,704 in the “2002 Pennies for Patients Program,” sponsored by the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society.

        Kathleen Hipskind, assistant principal, said Mount Notre Dame was the first school in the history of that program to raise such a single, large amount, and was No. 1 among all the participating schools.

        The money was raised in honor of Liz Marksteiner, a sophomore at the school who died in January of cancer.

        “Her desire was that some good would come from her experiences,” Ms. Hipskind said. “The funds raised will go toward cancer research, in an attempt to wipe out childhood cancers relating to leukemia and lymphoma.”

        Ms. Hipskind said the 760 students at the school participated in the drive during Catholic Schools Week, the last week in January.

        “I think the death of Liz added some emphasis to the drive this year,” Ms. Hipskind said. She said the school conducts the Pennies for Patients Program each year.

        “This is the first year we donated the money to the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Usually we let the students select which charity they want to help. This year they chose the society because of Liz,” Ms. Hipskind said.

        Preschoolers and early childhood students will learn about bike safety as well as raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tenn., during a Bring-A-Bike Day Trike-A-Thon at Cincinnati Country Day School, 6905 Given Road, Indian Hill, on April 5.

        The event will involve children ages 18 months to six years, their parents and teachers in a creative learning experience while raising money.

        Money raised from the event will help build an endowment fund for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital to continue research and treatment of childhood catastrophic diseases.

        In the program, children learn the concepts of bicycle, tricycle and riding toy safety. It also involves parents in safe behavior practices to help ensure their child's well being.

        Students at the Cincinnati Country Day Middle School visit nursing homes weekly as a community service project.

        They started the program a year ago and have established a long-term relationship with residents, taking along with them a dog they use as a mascot.

        The students have invited the residents to the school for many functions, including the school's celebration of its 75th anniversary, several picnics and a play in the school theater.

        Allen Howard's “Some Good News” column runs Sunday-Friday. If you have suggestions about outstanding achievements, or people who are uplifting to the Tristate, let him know at 768-8362, at ahoward@enquirer.com or by fax at 768-8340.
       

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