SHS students campaign for title of Spring King and Queen

Times Jr Reporter

 

Students from Strathmore High School campaigned for a charity of their choice in the race to be crowned Spring King and Queen on March 22 at the school’s Spring Prom. All of the contestants had personal connections to the charities they selected, making it a tight race right until the very end. 

Rachel Rogers came out on top, raising a total of $525.77 for her charity, the JDRF (Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation). Rogers has dealt with Juvenile Diabetes since she was six-and-a-half years old. She takes up to three needles a day, and has to pay very special attention to her diet. 

“I hope that this money will help towards finding a cure or new technology that will help make living with diabetes easier and less stressful,” said Rogers, who gave up much of her time lobbying around school during lunch for change and donations. 

“I loved the fact that teenagers were willing to give money to my charity. It’s pretty cool considering they only have part-time jobs, and don’t earn too much,” she said. 

Rogers also made up a sheet for her mom and step-dad to take to work, where their co-workers donated. 

“I would like to thank everyone who donated,” she said. “Every penny counted.” 

Parker Petruska landed in second place, raising a total of $465.41 for the Calgary Power Hockey League and earning him the title of Spring King. 

Petruska is in a power wheelchair, and is a member of the Calgary Power Hockey League. He was selected to attend the All Star game in Ottawa to represent Calgary, and hopes that the funds will help make that dream come true.

All of the money raised from the contestants was pooled together and then split 60/40 for the charities of the top two contenders. A total of $821.86 will be going to the JDRF, and $547.91 to the Calgary Power Hockey League, which will be presented to the charities during an assembly at a later date.