By ADRIANA GUTH-BOROWSKI – Every year the Indiana Area School District comes together to raise money for the Hopeful Hearts foundation. This year the school district was able to raise over $14,000 for the charity.

During the Battle of the Faculties, the schools went head to head in team competition. The events included the scooter relay, plunger ring toss, Swedish Fish toss, hula hoop pass, basketball shooting, volleyball over/under, volleyball bump, scooter bowling, and hungry hippos.

The combined team of Benjamin Franklin and Eisenhower Elementary school won the competition. Raising over $5,000, the team also won the most money raised.

Every year a team is awarded a spirit stick for showing the most school spirit throughout the night. This year, Horace Mann and East Pike Elementary showed how enthusiastic their team spirit is and was awarded the spirit stick. “It was cool to see how into it the elementary students got into the competition,” stated senior Muhsin Wahi-Anwar. “It was fun to watch teacher that I used to have in elementary school compete. Also, it was interesting to see teachers unleash hidden athleticism.”

The event was run by the IHS Key Club. Student volunteers ran each of the events as well as concessions and ticket sales. “It meant more to volunteer knowing that the proceeds were going to a good cause. It was really cool to watch how excited all the kids were,” stated sophomore Key Club member, Sydney Brice.

Competing with fellow faculty members allowed bonding within the schools. Student teachers were able to meet people from all different sections of the school. “It was a great opportunity to work with other faculty for a great cause. We had a lot of fun,” commented student teacher Miss Emily O’Donnell. “I met a lot of faculty members that I have not met before. It made me feel welcomed as a student teacher.”

Battle of the Faculties provided a fun way for the district to come together to support a good cause. Over the years, the schools have raised over $100,000 for the Hopeful Hearts charity. Through the charity the IASD is able to support grieving families who lost loved ones due to heart problems.

[Photo By Erik Puskar]

Photo Caption: “The IHS faculty team competes in the hula hoop pass for Hopeful Hearts”