Owasso Philanthropy Committee
By Jilian Childress
Owasso students in the Owasso Philanthropy Committee are taking initiative to touch the lives of kids in our community. The organization donates countless hours around the school to spread awareness of amazing causes in which people can invest their time. From several days of painting decorations in the hallways, to little things such as wearing matching t-shirts, you can always count on the Owasso Philanthropy Committee to show up for their fellow rams.
With OKIE Week lasting from March 11th through March 15th, there are numerous ways the Owasso community can get involved, thanks to this organization. OKIE (Owasso Kids Impacting Everyone) week itself is a week dedicated to fundraising for the Make-A-Wish foundation.
This year specifically, two young Owasso students were chosen.
Photo of Philanthropy Committee taken by Jillian Childress
During the week, there will be several family-friendly events to attend throughout the city. These events will bring proceeds to the committee and eventually back into the lives of the local families. For example, our Owasso Philanthropy Committee has previously teamed up with Panda Express, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Slim Chickens. Regarding on-campus activities, the committee sold Valentine’s grams, winter grams, OKIE Week merchandise and more. The committee’s giving attitude shows through their constant dedication.
A member of the organization, Alyanna Baker, shared the joy of her experience, smiling and saying, “I enjoy meeting like-minded people” and further said that everyone has a great attitude and that brought her out of her shell.
When asked about their overall goal, she proudly stated, “Our goal is to fundraise to the best of our ability and give kids their dream trips.”
The uplifting energy the group shares is displayed in the work visible in the high school hallways. Baker also shared how they often dedicate multiple hours after school painting posters to display throughout the school.
Philanthropy president Shania Valdivia mentioned during OKIE week that an event was set up on the high school football field with several yard games, face paint and food trucks. She described this as a fun night for the community to spend time together.
When asked why she joined the Philanthropy Committee, Valdivia said, “I was inspired by a previous member.” She continued to express the positive impact the people she has met have made on her.
Valdivia shared that students can join in November through social media or QR codes posted throughout the school around that time. Resources such as these have made all the difference for those who wish to join the committee.
When speaking with member Kiersten Flemming, she glowed about the experience and talked about how big district participation is. Fleming described how the middle school students have done things such as dodge ball tournaments and class versus class competitions to fundraise.
Flemming happily said, “I like knowing I’m bringing other people joy.” Then, further elaborating how she previously was in Student Council and saw a great opportunity with the philanthropy committee.
Linked below is the Instagram of our Owasso Philanthropy Committee. There people can find updates and information about what they are doing in the community. Undoubtedly these students have found an incredible way to come together and spread compassion to our local Owasso families.