As the opening soccer scrimmage carried on, shouts of encouragement rang out all around as the supporters in the stands cheered for their peers, friends, and family members. The Maroon and Gold Kickoff showcased all of the fall sports teams and gave the DECA kids the perfect opportunity to shine some light on a project that a few of the members had been working on.

Seniors Kristen Nease, Maddie Keller and Briana Brin had set up a way to raise money for the Ronald McDonald charity. This charity, one that Hays High had a tradition to work with the Ronald McDonald House that has been going on for several years now, helps families with sick kids stay together when seeking treatment.

During the soccer scrimmage, the DECA students, along with a few helpers, joined the throng of fans in the stands and for one minute, passed around several buckets along the rows. Any amount of money was accepted, and if they wanted, donors could even throw in some pop tabs into the bucket.

“We raised almost $400,” Nease said. “Our goal is to try and raise as much as we did last year for this charity.”

Nease said she really enjoys working with the Ronald McDonald House because of what they stand for and do for families. She would like to use the sports events to raise awareness throughout Hays.

“We will be doing Miracle Minute again,” Nease said. “One will be during the home basketball game against Great Bend, and we will do another at the Bob Kuhn wrestling tournament.”

Find out more about the Ronald McDonald House charity here.

17jdake@usd489.com