Fulton Science Academy Students Raised More than $8,000 for Pediatric Cancer Research

More than 500 students, faculty, and guests filled the Fulton Science Academy cafeteria with a sea of yellow shirts during an assembly to address childhood cancer. During the assembly, students presented Atlanta nonprofit CURE with a check for $8,045.87 to support pediatric cancer research. The total was raised through a variety of student-sponsored fundraisers and reflects the school’s largest charitable outreach initiative in its 15-year history.

Troubled by the number of children who are diagnosed with pediatric cancer annually and the low percentage of federal funding that is allocated towards actually finding a cure (less than 4%), FSA students chose the month of September to give what they had and raise what they could to help make a difference. Their campaign tied into the school’s monthly core values of caring of kindness.

FSA Principal, Kenan Sener, commented, “Our school has always valued the importance of giving back to the community and this is something that we want to instill in our students. We began the month with an ambitious goal of raising $1,000. Within a week, students had exceeded that goal so we decided to reach further. By the conclusion of yesterday, students had raised an astounding $8,045.87! We are so proud of them!”

During the assembly, guests watched two short videos and welcomed Alpharetta mom, Mandi Paris, who spoke. Paris, whose 12-year-old daughter, Mary Elizabeth, died last September from AML, understands all too well the tragedy that childhood cancer brings with it and the need to secure additional funding to help find a cure.

After Paris’ gripping testimonial, attention shifted towards the stage once again as Disney’s medical robot, Baymax, appeared to announce the grand fundraising total.

When all was said and done, FSA students raised $8,045.87 in less than four weeks!

Reflecting upon the past month, parent volunteer and campaign chair, Aimee Nobile, said, “This month has been such an inspiration. We made it very clear to the children that this was their chance to make a difference. We didn’t want children going home and asking Mom and Dad for money. We wanted kids working hard themselves, using their imagination, and actually raising the money on their own.”

And raise money they did!

When speaking about the impact of the school’s donation, CURE CEO, Kristin Connor, commented, “Of course, we appreciate each and every contribution to CURE, but there is something incredibly powerful about watching children helping children stomp out cancer. To say we are grateful would be an understatement. This donation will help fund clinical trials and, hopefully, help find a cure. Most importantly, it will remind these incredible children that every single person holds within him or herself the opportunity to make a positive difference.”

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About Fulton Science Academy

Fulton Science Academy Private School (FSAPS) has fostered a “yearn to learn” culture where students embrace an innovative, STEAM-based curriculum. Our extracurricular programs are recognized globally as FSAPS proudly represented the state of Georgia in five national and international academic competitions in 2016. Currently, FSA has 455 students (Pre-K through high school). The study body is diverse and reflects award-winning academic teams, competitive athletes, personal entrepreneurs, professional working actors, and award-winning critical thinkers. Built upon core values of excellence, innovation and character, FSAPS is the fastest growing private STEAM school in the South East Region.