Tawas Students Organize Hat Day To Raise Funds For Whittemore-Prescott Students Killed In Crash

To support the families of the two Whittemore-Prescott students that were killed in a car crash a few weeks prior, students of Tawas Area School, rallied together and put on a hat day fundraiser. Students and staff paid five dollars for the opportunity to wear a hat of their choice during the school day.

“We’re supporting Whittemore-Prescott today; as they had a tragic accident happen and so we wanna support them, have a hat day raise some money.” said Catie Push, a student at Tawas Area High School.

Students of Tawas Area Schools are familiar with Whittemore-Prescott students and got to know some of them through the cadet program CTD at Iresa.

“The student Senate approached us about doing something nice for the community and I had already heard a couple other fundraisers, but anything that we can do to show our love and support. But I know we’re all small town communities up here but when one of us is hurting, we’re all hurting.” said Douglas Livingston, Assistant Principal and Curriculum Director at Tawas Area Schools.

The fundraiser has shown to be successful and has generated a lot of funds so far.

“We actually raised over a thousand dollars already, just within our school so we’re hoping to raise more for them.” said Kyle Velasco, another student at Tawas Area High School.

Those who were not able to participate in the hat day fundraiser, will get another chance on Friday, January 26th at the Tawas JV girls basketball game against Ogimaw at 6pm. Attendees will also be able to purchase raffle tickets as an additional fundraising opportunity.

“Not only will people be wearing their hats that they’ve purchased to be able to wear, but we’re gonna have other baskets to raffle off. 50/50 raffles, just different ideas to try to generate some revenue again to try and help offset the costs that the families have endured through this, this tragedy.” said John Klinger, Superintendent of Tawas Area Schools.

In a statement released by Mike Ehinger, Superintendent of Whittemore-Prescott Area Schools he said: “As superintendent of Whittemore-Prescott Area Schools, I want to express my profound gratitude for the incredible support and compassion shown by neighboring schools and communities in the aftermath of the tragic incident that occurred recently.”

If you can’t make it to the game, you can also help support the families by donating to the Whittemore-Prescott Students GoFundMe.