By Julie Zahner-Bailey / Milton Councilwoman

Northwestern Middle School students put their money where their mouth is and presented a $5,500 donation to the American Red Cross to help Haiti earthquake victims.

"Northwestern Middle School raised more for Haiti then almost any other school to date," Eric Weston, from the American Red Cross, affirmed. The students' outpouring and sincere desire to make a significant difference was overwhelming.

When the tragedy of the earthquake in Haiti first occurred, the students of Northwestern were inspired to make a difference.  And they have.

While brainstorming, the 6th grade Language Arts class' notion to raise funds for Haiti's earth quake victims soon developed into the "Helping Hands" project. With the cooperation of the American Red Cross, and in just seven days, the students raised the funds with daily donations, a "Hats for Haiti" day, and myriad creative ideas. The culmination of the collective efforts of these energized and compassionate students was presenting a big check for $5,500 to the American Red Cross on March 9.

The students from each grade level were on hand and appropriately seated near the "Giving Tree" in the NWMS Media Center where the American Red Cross thanked them for their efforts while expressing the tremendous impact it would have on the people of Haiti.

The students' efforts have not ended, however. They are in the process of sending clean water to Haiti, as well.

Compassion, care, doing for others, acts of kindness, helping hands, chain reactions, thinking outside the box, generosity, empathy, "you-can-do-it" attitudes, "we can make a difference" mindsets, reaching out to those in need…these are just a few of the words and phrases that sum up the students, teachers, administration, families and community of Northwestern Middle School. Way to go Wildcats -- you inspire us all!