By Nisali Fernando (Entertainment Editor) and Kristin Frank (Sports Editor)

In the spirit of “Lawmas,” Jonathan Law kicked off the holiday season by lending a helping hand to the United Way of Milford.

Students and faculty filled the gymnasium on December 22 to participate in a yard game competition to commemorate the money raised for a Milford based organization.

The event was dreamt up by student leaders and was executed by the faculty at Law. English teachers Mrs. Lucia and Mr. Kulenych worked tirelessly alongside students to promote and prepare the event at the school.

“I am so proud of our students here at Law,” Lucia said. “Our school did what we knew it would, because it is what we do best: we came together for a good cause and showed how altruistic we all are. We raised a lot of money that will help a lot of people, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

The United Way of Milford does so much to help the Milford community and many members of the school were happy to donate their time and money to such a worthy cause.

“The United Way raises funds and distributes them to 20 health and human service agencies in Milford,” President and CEO of the United Way of Milford Gary Johnson said. “Also, we provide diapers, discount prescription insurance cards and an Emergency Fund which assists residents with rent payments, utility bills, food, oil, and summer camperships.”

The week leading up to the pep rally was filled with a competitive race between classes to raise the most money. The students and faculty were promised incredible prizes for their donations.

The student who raised the most money overall would be Principal For The Day, while the faculty member who raised the most money would become Dean For The Day. The class that raised the most money overall would be awarded the senior cafe for a day while the seniors, if victorious would be awarded a complimentary breakfast.

“We wanted to make the Law United rally a fun way to welcome in Winter Break and, more importantly, a way to thank all of those donated to the fundraising effort,” Kulenych said. “We couldn’t be happier with the result of the fundraising. Hundreds of students, staff, and community members donated and it was amazing to see everyone come together for a great cause.”

Principal Mr. Thompson promised to shave his head live on air of Eagle Eye News if the school managed to raise $3,000 altogether. Much to Thompson’s dismay, Law raised a whopping $3,051.

“Well, I have had better experiences,” Thompson said. “But it was for a good cause and it will grow back. Plus, maybe it’ll be a new look for me.”

There were several ways to donate and to earn a spot at this event. To acquire a seat at the event there was a $2 admission fee and “Law United” T-shirts were sold for $10.

“There are so many things that make us a very special place. One of those things is our commitment to helping our community,” Thompson said. “We have so many activities, clubs and programs dedicated to giving back to our city. This is just one example of the many ways we are the community’s flagship school.”

Kulenych said that the event showed how well the community works together in times of need.

“It was amazing to see the school rally together and be “united” for a common cause,” Kulenych said. “We had so many student help fundraise, help set up the gym, help take donations and sell T-shirts. It was a real student-led effort which was great to see.”

Team members at the rally participated in backyard games such as Spikeball, Kan Jam, Washers, and Baggo.

“We liked the idea of backyard games because everyone can play, and they are fun to watch,” Lucia said. “We wanted the event to be interactive and fun – a way to reward people who were generous enough to donate time and money to our goal.”

The students who collected the most pledges represented their classes at the Law United rally.

“The classes can get pretty competitive especially in situations like this one such as spirit week,” senior Sydney King said. “But at the end of the day we’re all one school and were so happy that we collectively raised so much money for organizations that help the local community.”

The faculty team included Ms. Burns, Mr. Roumeles, Mr. Young, Mrs. Blude, Ms. Corriveau, Ms. Rosner, Mr. Giangregorio, and Mr. McPartland.

“(We) committed to a positive cause for the community,” Young said.

The juniors who placed the highest in all four events took on the faculty team in a relay race at the end of the rally.

“I would love to participate again next year because it was amazing to have fun in helping a great cause,” junior Maggie Kelly said.

Leea Palmer, a senior at Law, raised a total of $278 for the United Way. Palmer single-handedly closed the gap between classes but it was not enough, the sophomore class donated the most money (a total of $787) and will be awarded the senior cafe one day in January.

“The money was going to a good cause,” Palmer said. “This year our family wanted to donate for the holidays.”

Blude, the faculty member who donated the most money, will be Dean For The Day, and Palmer serve as Principal For The Day.

Johnson was presented with a check at the end of the rally. Johnson, Palmer, Mrs. Drew, and Mr. Marko posed for a picture alongside of a giant $3,051 check.

“I enjoyed my time at Law,” Johnson said. “To me, I witnessed a school community full of enthusiasm and a commitment to helping others. I could see that the students and faculty were excited with the fundraiser.”

In the end, Law was able to learn what it truly meant to be “Law United” through this event.

‘”Law United’ describes something we already knew about our school, but maybe we didn’t have a phrase for it,” Lucia said. “Coming together, pooling our ideas, time, and other resources to do something great, something bigger than just ourselves, is what Law is all about, and now we have a term that defines it.”

Aside from longstanding class rivalries and the hilarious incentive of seeing Thompson’s head shaved, members of the Law community were proud that they proved that no feat too large for a “united” high school.

“Being “Law United” means the Law community doing what it does best – coming together at a time of need to help those who need it,” Kulenych said. “Our school is filled with selfless people who are always willing to help so it was no surprise that ‘Law United’ was as successful as it was.”

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To get involved with the United Way, students can visit the United Way website or call the United Way at 203-874-6791.