Fernley Intermediate students fulfill pledge to Veterans Guest House Representatives

By David Perry, Fernley Intermediate School Teacher

The Fernley Intermediate School (FIS) Falcon Leadership students presented a $570 check to representatives of Veterans Guest House fulfilling their pledge to raise $1,000 for the organization. In October of 2018, this group of 5^th and 6^th grade leadership students met and determined that with the help of the entire FIS student body and staff, they could raise $1,000 to support veterans. The students chose Veterans Guest House because they were impressed with their mission of providing housing to veterans and their families who are seeking medical treatment in the Reno-Sparks area.

Leadership students understood the difficulty of achieving such a lofty goal, but they knew the student body would come through. In October and November of 2018, students collected spare pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters during select school days and sold drinks during lunch periods to raise almost the first half of their goal. During their Veterans Day Assembly, they presented a $430 check to the organization. Leadership students made a promise to continue their fundraising drive until that $1,000 goal was met. Students promoted a matching funds pledge drive, change collection drives at school events and many other activities all with the goal of assisting the veterans. Once the final coins were counted, Veterans Guest House was contacted to inform them that the student body from Fernley Intermediate School was proud to offer their support.

Falcon Leadership students were honored to represent their classmates as they presented the final installment of their $1000 pledge to representatives from Veterans Guest House. Students toured the facility, met residents and staff and even performed a few push-ups as part of their presentation to the facility. Fernley Intermediate School Falcon Leadership, student body and staff will continue to find ways to support veterans and their families and will always appreciate the work of Veterans Guest House.