A student group from Whitby School known as “The Rookie Wookies” celebrated Star Wars Day: May the Fourth Be With You by planning a “Force for Change” fund-raiser to support UNICEF. The event, co-sponsored by the Whitby Parents Association, took place at Whitby’s Performing Art Center. “How cool is it that this fundraiser was designed and hosted by students?” said Jonathan Chein, Middle School Head at Whitby School. “They planned everything: the bake sale, Jedi games, raffle, and more. It was inspiring to watch these students follow through on an event from thought to finish.” The event raised $1,328.00 in funds for UNICEF.
“The Rookie Wookies,” who met weekly for over three months to plan this event, includes fourth grader Ava, fifth graders Annkia and Bella, sixth graders Carolina, Julien, Leah, and Victoria, and seventh graders Adem, Amelie, Anna, David Jared, Eleni, Evan, Sarah, and Sophia. Says Adem, “We started out with just an idea for ‘May the Fourth be with you,’ and it turned into a big event with activities. I found a game called Lightsaber Escape, an app that turns your phone into a lightsaber so you can escape an imperial base!” The bake sale and raffle were made possible by students like Victoria: “I made cake-pops and macaroons to sell, and also made a Star Wars pouch out of duct tape for the raffle. It was fun, because everyone was there and really enjoyed the party!”
Event attractions included donations by student-based brands, Jedi games and raffle by “The Rookie Wookies” and funding by Upper School and the Whitby Parents Association.
For more about next year’s May the Fourth celebration, email plohmeyer@whitbyschool.org.
