DHS students raise money during ROAR week

Durant High School had a pep rally Friday to celebrate students raising funds for the Safe Schools Student Assistance Program during Roar week which is a philanthropy event sponsored by student council.

The event included pie/slime in the face, egg roulette and other activities with students and high school staff, which the school district said was a great way to end the school day before spring break.

“What a fun way to end the week and head into Spring Break,” the school district said, in a social media post. “Our teachers truly will do anything to celebrate their students.”

Amber Bullard, Durant High School assistant principal, spoke during the event and she said the students did a great job during the week.

“I want to talk to you about why we do this week,” Bullard said. “This is philanthropy week. The student council calls it Roar Week because it’s the week that you guys get to let your voices be heard and the way you get heard is by making a difference in your community.

“This week, the money that you raised we provide to our student assistance programs which means that it will provide shoes, clothes, hygiene items, laundry soap. Whatever kids in the whole district need from pre-k all the way to high school. You guys made a difference this week by making donations that help that happen.”

The students raised $2,067.85 for the program.

Superintendent Duane Merideth spoke and he shouted,” Once a Lion,” which was followed by a reply from those in attendance who chanted, “Always a Lion.”

“We are one team, one family,” Merideth said.

First United Bank donated $500 to add to what the students raised.

“I will tell you, because all of the work you have done, the sacrifice these folks are making, when I get back to the office, I will match what you raised, including the $500,” Merideth said.