During Catholic Schools Week OLSH students were celebrating their school and asking for financial support from family and friends for Charger Challenge 2022, the school’s annual online giving fundraising campaign. Students created profiles on our campaign page and sent messages to family and friends. Each grade level formed a team, and the Advancement office offered a variety of prizes for the individuals and class raising the most money.

Alumni were invited to join in the fun by supporting an assigned grade level. Faculty and staff, coaches, and board members also gave their support as we once again worked towards a $100,000 goal. Loyal OLSH benefactors sweetened the deal with some challenges, including a match of $100 gifts and a large donation if the overall total reached $75,000 by the fourth day of the campaign. All challenges were met and the campaign received a record number of gifts of $500 or more!

Part of the campaign is also about raising awareness among students as to why the school relies on fundraising when tuition is charged to attend OLSH. The Advancement team spent time educating the student body about the fact that tuition covers only a portion of the true cost to educate a student at OLSH. Our fundraising efforts make it possible for us to offer a wide range of extracurricular and athletic programs, to hire teachers who consider their profession a calling and not just a job, and have facilities that embrace our heritage, and are equipped for safety and 21st century learning.  The funds raised directly impact our students, and this year’s Charger Challenge student committee truly took that to heart and took pride in playing an important role in the advancement of their school.

The weather delayed the end of campaign celebration by a few days, but the students enjoyed coming together for a pep rally to celebrate their efforts. At the event, the total amount raise - $119,418 – was announced, top fundraisers were recognized, and raffle prizes were awarded. Highlights included a spirited game of musical chairs, which earned the winning class (seniors) an extra $1,000 for their class account. Each class also earned funds for their class accounts (which fund prom, Ring Day, and other class activities) based on their class fundraising total. Student representatives from each class that met its $20,000 goal, had the opportunity to pie a faculty or staff member.

The campaign once again surpassed its fundraising goal and brought Charger Nation together to achieve great things!