News

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Kudos to San Marcos High teacher Jamie DeVries and students for their awesome Kids Helping Kids fundraiser

Under the leadership of Advanced Placement economics teacher Jaime DeVries, San Marcos High School students exceeded their $125,000 goal and actually raised more than $139,000 for the Unity Shoppe on January 9, when they hosted the Columbia recording artist Five for Fighting at the Granada Theatre.

This stellar benefit is in its seventh year, having raised over $350,000 since the project began. Mr. DeVries said, “This is an incredible student-run, student-organized, and student-inspired event. It began with a simple penny drive and has expanded beyond our wildest expectations. The first year it was held at Ruby's diner and has steadily grown each year in size and scope.”

This year, the event involved 105 students. In AP Economics the teens have to grapple with unfamiliar concepts like revenues, variable costs, fixed costs, etc. Mr. DeVries added, “This hands-on project is such a useful tool in that it breathes life into the curriculum and makes the textbook seem relevant. Whether we are trying to find out our total revenue maximization point on ticket sales, or dealing with complex advertising and marketing issues, the students are always learning and most importantly, living outside of their own self-interest.”