VOL. XXVIII, NO. 2
OCTOBER 31, 1986
Organizations raise money for student
by Josepha Schaecher
Des Plaines Kiwanis Club, the Maine West Student Council. Senior Class Council, and Key Club are working on a joint project to provide Mary Brannigan with a talking machine.
Mary, who would be a senior this year, was left paralyzed after a near fatal car accident in the fall of her sophomore year. Because of her paralysis, she is unable to do many things: however, she does have control over the movement of her thumb.
"Mary presses a button with her thumb when she sees the light on the letter of the alphabet board she wants," says Mrs. Brannigan. Although through this process Mary is able to communicate with the outside world, it is not very desirable. "To form one sentence,'' says Mrs. Brannigan, "usually takes Mary twenty minutes."
However, with this new talking machine numerous common phrases will be programmed so that Mary can relate a sentence in a matter of seconds.
Jennifer Campagna '87 wrote a letter to the Des Plaines Kiwanis, asking them to purchase this communication device. "This project fits perfectly with the Kiwanis Major Emphasis theme," says Mr. Burk, the vice‑principal as well as a Kiwanian.
Des Plaines Kiwanis Club, the Maine West Student Council. Senior Class Council, and Key Club are working on a joint project to provide Mary Brannigan with a talking machine.
Mary, who would be a senior this year, was left paralyzed after a near fatal car accident in the fall of her sophomore year. Because of her paralysis, she is unable to do many things: however, she does have control over the movement of her thumb.
"Mary presses a button with her thumb when she sees the light on the letter of the alphabet board she wants," says Mrs. Brannigan. Although through this process Mary is able to communicate with the outside world, it is not very desirable. "To form one sentence,'' says Mrs. Brannigan, "usually takes Mary twenty minutes."
However, with this new talking machine numerous common phrases will be programmed so that Mary can relate a sentence in a matter of seconds.
Jennifer Campagna '87 wrote a letter to the Des Plaines Kiwanis, asking them to purchase this communication device. "This project fits perfectly with the Kiwanis Major Emphasis theme," says Mr. Burk, the vice‑principal as well as a Kiwanian.
The cost of the machine is $2700 not including the software. Kiwanis has donated $3000 to this cause. The student organizations will then reimburse the Kiwanis with as much money as they can raise.
Student Council and Senior Class Council plan to raise at least $1900. "We will definitely hold a special sock hop and money drive for Mary," reveals student council president, Erwin Danan.
Key Club, a high school service organization, plans to raise $200 through fundraisers. This project also matches Key Club's International theme, Understanding: Pathway to Progress, which deals with caring and helping the handicapped and the elderly. "I can't believe how perfectly this project and the International Theme fit together," says Deanna Serino '88. a Key Clubber and committee chairperson of the major emphasis theme.
Special recognition goes to Jennifer Campagna who is responsible for the contributions of these organizations. "Jennifer is totally responsible," says Mrs. Brannigao. Jennifer made it known to the Kiwanis that there was a need for money for Mary's communicating device. "Without Jennifer gaining the support of the, Kiwanis, "says Mrs. Brannigan, "Mary would most likely not be getting this machine,"
Erwin Danan would also like to thank Jennifer and others who have made it possible for the student body to have the opportunity to experience helping a fellow student in need.
Student Council and Senior Class Council plan to raise at least $1900. "We will definitely hold a special sock hop and money drive for Mary," reveals student council president, Erwin Danan.
Key Club, a high school service organization, plans to raise $200 through fundraisers. This project also matches Key Club's International theme, Understanding: Pathway to Progress, which deals with caring and helping the handicapped and the elderly. "I can't believe how perfectly this project and the International Theme fit together," says Deanna Serino '88. a Key Clubber and committee chairperson of the major emphasis theme.
Special recognition goes to Jennifer Campagna who is responsible for the contributions of these organizations. "Jennifer is totally responsible," says Mrs. Brannigao. Jennifer made it known to the Kiwanis that there was a need for money for Mary's communicating device. "Without Jennifer gaining the support of the, Kiwanis, "says Mrs. Brannigan, "Mary would most likely not be getting this machine,"
Erwin Danan would also like to thank Jennifer and others who have made it possible for the student body to have the opportunity to experience helping a fellow student in need.
