Hoover, Jackson Cheerleaders Raise $5,000 for Students Affected by Hurricane Sandy

Hoover and Jackson high schools turned their longstanding rivalry into something great when the schools' cheerleaders teamed up to raise money for Hurricane Sandy victims.

The two schools competed to see who could raise money the most money for Hurricane Sandy victims who attend Long Beach High School in Lido Beach, NY.

Hoover High School raised $2,855 ($855 over its projected goal), and Jackson High School raised $2,767.96 for a total of $5,622.96

The Hoover High cheerleaders were victorious, but they won't let that go to their heads. The rivalry was all in good fun, and the teams were happy to help their peers, said English teacher Tiffany Walker, who also serves as varsity cheerleading adviser.

"As for the rivalry, indicating it's a competition between our biggest rival, Jackson, certainly helps as a motivating factor; however, the contest was about way more than that," Walker said.

"The students, staff and community understood the reason behind the giving: to help Long Beach High School in their efforts to overcome the devastion Hurricane Sandy has left them in, and that understanding certainly helped in surpassing our goal of raising at least $2,000."

Long Beach Public Schools resumed classes Nov. 13, two weeks after Hurricane Sandy wreaked havoc on the barrier island, according to Long Beach Patch. However, many district families were displaced by the storm, meaning students are temporarily living in nearby communities.

The Hoover cheerleaders sold T-shirts with the slogan "Do Work," which meant the students are doing work to help Hurricane Sandy victims, and the basketball teams was also doing work to have a successful season. "Do Work" was the theme of the boys' basketball game Nov. 30.

Walker said the students, staff and community all were receptive to helping the Hurricane Sandy victims.

"We raised approximately $1,400 during the two school days, $950 during the varsity basketball game (fans were especially generous in donating), $350 during middle school games and additional money from businesses, including Haasz Automall, which donated the 'Do Work' T-shirts, Little Learners Day Care and Prestier's Pub," she said.

Still, Walker isn't surprised the community was able to come together for the cause.

"While I am more than grateful for everyone's efforts in helping to raise $855 more than expected, it comes as no surprise considering the kind of community North Canton is," she said. "I and the cheerleaders truly appreciate everyone's efforts. What a blessing it is to be a part of such a great community."