KCSS students' fight to go hungry
By Adeeba Alam and Shea McKeown

There were plenty of activities to keep the students occupied Friday night, as they focused their minds of things other than food. Amy Mills, Agnes Mak, Austin Chamney, William Ogden, Shane Kelly, Melissa Edmunds and Kirk Connell were playing a rousing game of Scatergories. Schomberg Sheet Metal Ltd.

King City Secondary School (KCSS) is well known for many things, like its incredible spirit, passionate football team and its warm and caring reputation.

However, as of April 19, KCSS is now known for its charitable heart.

KCSS was privileged to participate in the 30-Hour Famine. The famine lasted from 6:30 a.m. Friday morning to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. More than 75 students (ranging from Grades 9 to 12), along with many teachers, raised funds for the Christian humanitarian organization, World Vision, going 30 hours straight without food. King City's goal for the fund-raiser was a healthy sum of $10,000. To date they have raised more than $8,400, with donations still pouring in.

For many years, students went through an uphill battle and fought hard and strong to be able to participate in the 30 Hour Famine. After extensive planning by Grade 12 student-organizer Agnes Mak, along with her team of determined teachers and classmates, the event was permitted.

The event was a great success with 50 students spending a night of delightful mayhem at the school. Students were distracted from their growing hunger pains by entertaining themselves with games, movies and, of course, talking about food.

Participants were allowed to consume as much juice or water as desired, but nothing else. Of course this meant the recycling bin and washrooms were always full.

The amazing teachers were always on hand and seemed to be prepared for every outcome. Mr. Mlinarski, Mr. Howell, Ms. Silver, Ms. Cruickshank, Ms. D'Errico, Mr. Masterson and Ms. Munro deserve a round of applause for taking on rotating night shifts to supervise, by supplying food for those who felt ill, and in general dealing with the high energy of the students.

Everything went perfectly, as the students fought hard to show their generosity for the big event. Students and teachers each had an individual goal set of $180 per person and they made it happen.

At times, it may seem impossible to reach a goal, but it can be done with the help of the community. Students will continue to raise funds until this Friday (April 25). World Vision is a very important charity and King City Secondary is hoping that the community will recognize this cause and join us, as we strive to reach our goal. Please feel free to make a donation to King City Secondary School.

Was being famished worth it? The answer is an all around "yes!" The sacrifice is nothing in comparison to the true issue at hand. Congratulations to King City Secondary School for one of the most successful events to be held at the school. Thank you to everyone who participated, whether they donated or raised funds, they have all made a difference in someone's life.

For more information about the 30 Hour Famine and World Vision, please visit, www.30hourfamine.org or www.worldvision.org