MMS students raise money for fellow classmate

     A group of about 20 eighth graders in Monticello are showing kindness this holiday season for a fellow classmate.

     Karly Dirks, daughter of Lisa and Allen Dirks, was diagnosed with Diffused Midline Glioma, of brain cancer. At 13 years old, Dirks is undergoing chemotherapy and radiation. She explained that she takes a chemo pill at home and heads to the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City for radiation treatment.

     “I’ve had to leave school early because I’m not feeling well,” said Dirks.

     She said after complaining about her constant headaches, her parents took her to the doctor.

     “They just would not go away,” she said.

     After lots of testing, it was determined that Dirks had Diffused Midline Glioma.

     Now, her classmates are coming together to host a series of fundraisers to help the family offset medical expenses.

     “This requires constant treatment and is very expensive,” wrote Spencer Avery and Caroline Olson in the middle school newspaper.

     The first fundraiser will take place this Friday night, Dec. 16, from 4-10 p.m. The students will be selling baked goods at the high school during the Monticello basketball game against Cascade. They ask you to “please come and support Karly.”

     P.E. teacher Kim McQuillen is acting as the students’ advisor on this leadership project.

     “I asked all of the eighth graders who would be interested in serving on a student leadership team,” McQuillen explained. “From there, students were randomly selected.”

     The group’s first meeting was to brainstorm some ideas to assist the Dirks family. From there, the kids voted on three fundraising ideas out of six.

     Dirks said it “feels really good” that her friends are coming together for her benefit.

     Those students running with the bake sale idea include: Spencer Avery, Josie Brady, Caroline Olson, Lauren Bader, Hannah Ahlrichs, Katie Sauser, and Delaney Peitz. They each bring their own community service expertise to the event through Boy Scouts, 4-H, BEASTS, and church fundraisers. Avery also made sure to point out that he is the only boy working on the bake sale committee.

     Aside from making their own goodies to sell (or asking mom and dad), the kids invite the community to donate baked goods as well.

     “We’re all making our own varieties,” said Ahlrichs.

     The kids also signed up to volunteer to work certain shifts during the bake sale, with the other eighth graders assisting as well.

     “It’s our chance to help each other out,” said Avery.

     The kids have been busy making posters, soliciting businesses to hang their posters, writing articles in the school newspaper, and getting the word out during the daily school announcements.

     “This is a chance to support the ball teams, and to help support Karly and her family,” said Olson.

     “And donate money,” added Ahlrichs. She said the news is always showing kids helping in their communities. “This was our chance to do something.”

     “She’s our best friend and her family is going through a hard time,” said Brady.

     The students have also made cards for Dirks as well, letting her know that they’re thinking about her.

     “The cards inspired us to help her out more,” said Avery.

     There will be two additional fundraisers (dates to be announced): a middle school dance and a dodge ball tournament.

     “It’s great to see the kids willing to give their time and talents to help Karly,” praised McQuillen. “They get to practice using their empathy skills along with learning how to cooperate and work together in groups. It makes my heart happy to see the kids willing to put themselves out there and work hard to put together successful fundraisers for Karly.”