Harrison County Schools Raised More than $16,000 during Thursday's Jack Rollins Superhero Day
By Trina Runner on April 05, 2015 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Local stores saw an influx of superhero clothing sales this week as hundreds of students and faculty in Bridgeport schools grabbed them up for a very special occasion on Thursday. In honor of our own Hometown Hero, Thursday, April 2 was dubbed Jack Rollins Day and Bridgeport and all Harrison County schools celebrated him by dressing in superhero costumes, shirts and making donations to help cover his medical expenses.
Rollins, who is battling a form of cancer known as neuroblastoma, is only four years old. His fight has had the support of the community from day one there was no hesitation when they were given the opportunity to don superhero gear to show their support on Thursday.
“As soon as we heard about Superhero Day for Jack Rollins, we jumped into action to support him and his family,” said BHS Principal Mark DeFazio. “This gives our students the opportunity to show empathy and support to a boy who has demonstrated such courage in his fight.”
The hallways were filled with creative costumes and mock superpowers being demonstrated as students went to classes. On-site coordinator for BHS, Suzanne Randolph, arranged for collections to be made to offset medical costs for Rollins.
“Students and staff were very generous with donations and we are so glad to be involved with helping the family,” she said.
The halls at Johnson and Simpson Elementary Schools were filled with pint-sized Spidermans, Supermans, Captain Americas, and Iron Mans - all honoring Rollins and his love for superheroes of all types.
“Along with teaching in our content areas, Superhero Day for Jack Rollins allowed us to also teach about the importance of kindness, generosity, and compassion,” said Simpson Elementary Principal Lori Reid.
Middle schoolers could actually catch some air in their costumes during the day as they simultaneously celebrated Superhero Day and a day of fun with a gym filled with inflatables (Click HERE for that story).
“Our students demonstrate kindness year-round and we are rewarding that with the inflatable fun day,” said BMS Principal Carole Crawford. “It is especially meaningful, though, this year, as we honor Jack Rollins and show our support for his courageous battle. Students really were generous with donations and excited to have the opportunity to help.”
Superhero Day extended to all county schools, with word spreading quickly through social media and flyers. Even the Harrison County School Board Office participated, unifying to make a young child smile. Local businesses were also in on the costumed day and generously sending donations. A spokesperson for the Bridgeport United Methodist Church Preschool, where Rollins is a student, said anonymous donations were made all day.
The amounts raised were called into Assistant Superintendent, Wendy Imperial, throughout the day. By late afternoon, Imperial excitedly announced that students and staff from Harrison County Schools raised more than $16,000 for the local superhero.
Anyone interested in donating can make a deposit at BB&T to the Jack Rollins Trust Fund.
See a gallery of superheroes below and look for another to follow.
