Montclair High raises $21k for homeless students living on campus
MONTCLAIR - The pouring rain didn't stop hundreds of Montclair High students from bringing attention to the homeless issue on their campus.
More than 600 students, staff members and elected officials on Monday joined in the second annual Miles for Montclair - a 5K walk that raised awareness and $21,000 for homeless students on the campus.
"Even though some people couldn't give money, they were still out here walking," said senior Stephanie Flores, 18. "Seeing everyone's support is inspiring."
Montclair High School student Lydia Hurtado, center, laughs as the umbrella she is holding with Yolanda Giron is blown out of shape by the wind Monday during the school's second Miles for Montclair, a 5K walk to benefit homeless student.
More than 600 students, staff members and elected officials on Monday joined in the second annual Miles for Montclair - a 5K walk that raised awareness and $21,000 for homeless students on the campus.
"Even though some people couldn't give money, they were still out here walking," said senior Stephanie Flores, 18. "Seeing everyone's support is inspiring."
Montclair High School student Lydia Hurtado, center, laughs as the umbrella she is holding with Yolanda Giron is blown out of shape by the wind Monday during the school's second Miles for Montclair, a 5K walk to benefit homeless student.
Last May, the Montclair High campus raised $19,000 for its 135 homeless students.
This year, out of more than 3,000 students, the school in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District has 155 homeless students that have been identified as homeless through the McKinney-Vento Act, the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and young people experiencing homelessness.
"When I found out the number of students who were homeless on our campus it really made me sad, but, at the same time, it motivated me to want to help," said senior Summer Azzam, 17.
The term homeless doesn't only mean a person is without a home. It can also entail a person or family residing in a transitional home, in a vehicle, in a motel with no water, heat, electricity or has broken windows, or in a garage.
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is also a national day of service, school officials chose to host Miles for Montclair on Monday instead of waiting until the summer.
"Dr. Martin Luther King marched for the rights of people - whether it was hot or cold, rainy or not, and these students have the same commitment," Montclair councilman Bill Ruh said. "They want to help their fellow student and that's wonderful."
"They were taking action and that tells me something about their leadership skills. They are serious about the issue and they take it to heart."
To take part in the walk, Montclair High juniors and seniors had to acquire sponsorships or donations.
Montclair High teamed with Kidcare International, a humanitarian-aid nonprofit that helps disadvantaged children, to work with the families of the school's homeless students.
The nonprofit will distribute the collected monies from the 5K to the students.
"Next year, we want to open it for the entire school to join and we want to shoot for the stars and raise $100,000," teacher Amahl Thomas said.
Thomas, who teaches U.S. history and ethnic studies at Montclair High, and economics teacher Fabian Martin spearheaded both walk-a-thons after hearing about the number of homeless students on their campus.
This year, out of more than 3,000 students, the school in the Chaffey Joint Union High School District has 155 homeless students that have been identified as homeless through the McKinney-Vento Act, the primary piece of federal legislation dealing with the education of children and young people experiencing homelessness.
"When I found out the number of students who were homeless on our campus it really made me sad, but, at the same time, it motivated me to want to help," said senior Summer Azzam, 17.
The term homeless doesn't only mean a person is without a home. It can also entail a person or family residing in a transitional home, in a vehicle, in a motel with no water, heat, electricity or has broken windows, or in a garage.
In San Bernardino County, there are 18,994 homeless students.
Inspired by Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which is also a national day of service, school officials chose to host Miles for Montclair on Monday instead of waiting until the summer.
"Dr. Martin Luther King marched for the rights of people - whether it was hot or cold, rainy or not, and these students have the same commitment," Montclair councilman Bill Ruh said. "They want to help their fellow student and that's wonderful."
"They were taking action and that tells me something about their leadership skills. They are serious about the issue and they take it to heart."
To take part in the walk, Montclair High juniors and seniors had to acquire sponsorships or donations.
Montclair High teamed with Kidcare International, a humanitarian-aid nonprofit that helps disadvantaged children, to work with the families of the school's homeless students.
The nonprofit will distribute the collected monies from the 5K to the students.
"Next year, we want to open it for the entire school to join and we want to shoot for the stars and raise $100,000," teacher Amahl Thomas said.
Thomas, who teaches U.S. history and ethnic studies at Montclair High, and economics teacher Fabian Martin spearheaded both walk-a-thons after hearing about the number of homeless students on their campus.
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