Hughes MS Students Present Check to Cancer HELP Society

By VERNON ROBISON

The Progress

A group of students at Arthur Hughes Middle School in Mesquite gathered during the school day on Wednesday, April 12, to present the proceeds of a recent fundraiser to a local nonprofit organization.
Invited to the gathering was Yoli Bell, founder of the Mesquite Cancer HELP Society. Before it was over, the group presented Bell with a donation check in the amount of $920 to help in the work of the Society.

The money was raised last month at a “Relay for a Cause” fundraiser which took place at the middle school on March 24. This event was a collaboration between the school’s HOPE Squad and the Student Council.

“There is no greater honor or gift than going before a group of young students such as the HOPE Squad and the Hughes Student Council,” Bell said in a statement to The Progress in the week after the presentation. “They serve to remind us that our youth today can truly come together for exceptional causes and strive to make their goals a major success.”

The fundraiser consisted of a relay race where a total of 36 teams, consisting of 4-6 students each, walked or ran a route around the school on that day. Each participant paid $5 to race in the event. All proceeds were donated to the Cancer HELP Society.

“This selfless effort makes a wonderful difference for many cancer patients who rely on these and countless other donations in their journey for survivorship,” Bell said.

Bell lauded the student council organization for the work they had done for the benefit of the Society in the past. “I have had the honor of being with them on numerous occasions to receive donations from their fundraisers,” she said.

The HOPE Squad is a recently established group at the school. This group is elected by their peers for being approachable, trustworthy and a friend to those who might be feeling depressed, bullied or just unseen. The HOPE squad members receive special training on how to interact with their peers when they are experiencing difficulties, how to give support and how to bring resources to help when needed.

“I find it especially outstanding that the HOPE Squad make themselves available to other students who may need a shoulder to lean on, someone to talk to when feeling left out or lonely,” Bell said. “It is truly the greeatest gift that anyone can give to another person. Everyone needs a friend.”

Bell expressed her appreciation to the student groups for their efforts.
“Thanks so much for adding the Mesquite Cancer HELP Society to your list of wonderful deeds!” she said.