Students and staff have arranged for the school to adopt Lely High school of Naples, Fla. which was among the several schools that were destroyed by this summer’s numerous hurricanes.

Lely High school of the Collier County Public School district that was struck by Hurricane Irma, was selected by Principal John Arlotta and coordinators Angelina Monti (‘20) and Riley Coll (‘19). Upon expressing interest in adopting a school to assist hurricane victims, numerous schools were researched to determine which school was to be adopted.

“It was surprisingly hard to find a school,” Monti said. “Especially since we wanted to be in direct contact with our school, and not through a bigger company.”

To assist in the reconstruction, the school will host fundraisers that can supply goods and money for the cause. A number of such fundraisers are expected to take place over the coming months.

One fundraiser, “Jeans for Lely,” was completed on Friday, Dec. 8, which intended for a small donation to be made before the holidays. Staff members and students that wore jeans for the cause, donated $5 each, ultimately rasing $150.

“It was a nice start,” Arlotta said. “We raised $150, which was used to purchase gift cards that the school can distribute to their needy families for the holidays.”

The money will not only assist Lely high school directly, but will also be used to help several students who lost their homes due to the hurricane.

“Our school is going to be raising money not only for the school but for the students who lost their homes and their belongings,” Monti said.

Arlotta and the student coordinators have arranged future fundraising events, and are hoping for a long-term relationship with Lely High School in the future.

According to Arlotta a joint fundraiser planned by the Alliance, Theater Company and LEAP will be held Thursday night on Dec. 20. In addition, hot cocoa will be sold after the media arts slideshow on Friday Dec. 21.

Numerous members of the staff and student body have participated in the adoption of Lely High School, and it is still possible for others to get involved. Students can contact Arlotta or student coordinators if interested in participating.

“I’m very glad to hear that we are helping out with Hurricane Irma,” Andrew Birenbaum (‘20) said. “These people really need help and support is necessary.”