Students spearhead fundraiser during Autism Awareness Month

Two Upper School students are doing their part to “Put a Lid on Autism” this month. Through their original project, they are raising money to purchase laptop computers for autistic high school students in the Floyd County Schools system.

“We are selling baseball caps that feature a Darlington 'D' and the Autism Awareness ribbon," said junior Carley Weed, who is working on the project with sophomore Leslie Atkins. "Anyone who buys one can participate in Darlington’s jeans/hat day on April 29. The caps will be great for seniors to wear on April 28 when Darlington hosts the Special Olympics, too.”

For every $1,000 raised, one laptop computer can be purchased.

"Sales are going really well," said Reba Barnes, director of servant leadership. "The first day, I think we sold about 80 caps. We have even gotten orders from parents, alumni and teachers at other area schools! We really appreciate all the students getting on board with this project. Each day we see more posters and facts about autism on display in the hallways and around campus. The students are doing a great job raising awareness."

This effort means a great deal to both Weed and Atkins as each of them has an autistic sibling.

“Younger children with autism get so much attention, and they certainly deserve it, but we thought we would reach out to other high school-aged students for this particular project,” Weed said.

Caps are $15 each and may be purchased before Tuesday, April 19, during any of the Upper School lunch periods or by contacting Randy Smith at the Middle School or Tara Inman at the Lower School. Registration forms are available in the Lower and Middle School offices as well. Youth sizes are available. If you do not attend Darlington and would like to purchase a cap or make a cash/check donation to this project, you may contact Tara Inman at tinman@darlingtonschool.org.