This past spring, R.J. Shirey, a 2014 graduate of Our Lady of Victory Catholic School and now a junior at State College Area High School, was involved in a serious hunting accident that resulted in several surgeries and ultimately an amputation of one leg above the knee.
During these trying months, the faculty, staff, students and families of OLVCS have kept Shirey and his family in their prayers.
Now, the whole school is making a strong fundraising effort to support the family, which has racked up expenses because of frequent hospital trips, numerous surgeries and the purchase of Shirey’s prosthetic leg.
Language arts teacher Andrea Brandimarte and art teacher Heather McQueary are leading the effort, and students are eager about the opportunity to help Shirey.
According to a press release from the school, Brandimarte said the fundraising builds upon the values students are being taught every day at OLVCS.
“We’re always teaching our students to show kindness and compassion for others,” she said, “even something as small as smiling and striking up a conversation with a student sitting alone at lunch. What we’re doing for R.J. is one more way for our students to put the values they’re learning into practice to help others.”
To deepen their understanding of Shirey’s situation, students are engaging in conversations about the science involved with prosthetic legs, as well as the emotions involved in such an injury, during science class with Lisa Groves.
During the annual OLV Day in October, students brainstormed ideas for fundraising, and now three of the many ideas are being put into motion:
■ Polar Express Family Movie Night, Friday, Dec. 2
Families can come to the school to view this favorite holiday film. All profits from admissions will benefit Shirey.
■ Middle school dance for OLV students
Typically profits from admissions and the concession stand fund school activities. However, the proceeds from this particular dance in February will go to Shirey’s family.
■ Additional dress down day
The school will be offering an additional dress down day in February for students who donate to the fund for Shirey.
The proceeds from these events will be donated to the Shirey family in March.
“While we can’t raise an extravagant amount of money, we’re still able to make an impact on R.J.’s family,” Brandimarte said.
The school’s theme for OLV Day, its annual day of service, was this advice from St. Teresa of Calcutta, “Do small things with great love.” In that spirit, faculty, staff and students are embracing the impact that they can make, no matter how small.
Regardless of the money raised, the Shirey family is thankful for the outpouring of support.
“I want to thank you with all my heart for helping us,” Kristin Shirey, R.J.’s mom, told Brandimarte.
