Brave Coach and Thomas Jefferson Science Teacher Kirk Hammond enters and "wins" this year’s Tape the Coach DECA fundraiser.
by Rhea Boyd and Lauren Abrams
photo by Kevin Fleming
On October 16, 2008 the second-annual DECA sponsored "Tape The Coach" fundraiser took place right under Thomas Jefferson’s very own flagpole. “I felt a combo of honor and shame,” winner Kirk Hammond mused.
This year’s contestants were Jonathan Poole (soccer), Matt Nicolo (football), Bill Burns (football), Mike Laurita (wrestling), Cindy Allen (swimming), Woody Bonner (football), Mark Smith (golf), Stacy Fornstrom (golf), and Kirk Hammond (football).
For the past two years, the contestants were entered into the running simply by signing up. The only requirement is that the teachers must coach a sport here at TJ. "We went and talked to the different coaches and asked them if they dared to Escape The Tape," said DECA Officer and TJ Junior Alex Gustafson.
Overall, Hammond was accepting of being embarrassed for a good cause. “I think it went well. I just hope all the proceeds go to a good cause and they spend the money wisely,” he said.
The proceeds collected from the teachers’ jars are being used for DECA’s fundraiser. “Our community project this year is called ‘Project Mercy’ and it is to help build libraries for schools in Ethiopia,” said DECA President Karina Desroses.
Each year officers of DECA collaborate and decide which fundraisers would be the most popular among TJ’s student body. “The flagpole fundraiser is a fun way for everyone to get involved and make money for a good cause,” said DECA Advisor Matt Nicolo.
The next DECA fundraiser will offer support to less fortunate families during the holiday season. Food and money will be collected in school, and then DECA will present boxes of food to 10-20 families. Their 3rd annual Adopt-a-Family fundraiser will also take place during the holiday season and the money will be used to purchase gifts for a TJ family.
