Alex Silver

After a devastating earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, MHS and much of the world have mobilized and are vigorously trying to raise funds for the country.

 As of now, close to 100,000 people have been found dead, and many others are trapped under the wreckage caused by the tragedy. Officials estimate that the death toll could range from 200,000 to 500,000 people.

Not only is the death toll high, but the earthquake has also left much of the Port-au-Prince population decimated and homeless.

Currently, many Haitians are living in tents, most of which have been made using sheets and scraps from the wreckage. Since these tents are extremely feeble, the Haitian people have little protection against the natural elements.

Spring is a rainy season in Haiti, and assuming that many of these citizens will still be in makeshift tents, it is estimated many will get sick, creating more health issues.

The main concern of relief teams is for the health of the citizens, especially the need for substantial amounts of food and water. 

Haiti has been devastated by this natural calamity, but people from all over the world have made substantial donations to aid relief efforts on the ground in Haiti. 

Since the news of the devastation in Haiti reached MHS, students have made a huge effort to raise money and awareness throughout the student body. 

Coordinator of Student Affairs Carol Scheffler said, “This project is led by the

Student Council partnered with the Red Cross club and a handful of other clubs.”

Posters have been placed around the hallways of the school to raise awareness from students. Additionally, different school organizations have held bake sales for relief money.

“It’s great the way the school came together,” Adina Bauman ’11 said. “Although we are very fortunate, we are still able to see the needs of those devastated in Haiti.”

             In the school’s library, halls and café, many empty water cooler jugs have been placed for students to donate whatever money they can.

One of the biggest programs that the school has enacted for Haiti relief has been constructing a matching grant with the Bank of America. The matching grant states that if MHS raises $5 thousand or more, then the Bank of America will also give $5 thousand to the school’s relief program.

MHS has already raised more than $1 thousand for the relief effort. Scheffler said, “All of the money that the school raises will go to the Red Cross, which provides food and water as well as supplies for shelter.” 

Multiple clubs are planning events for relief, which could involve movie nights or other events.

            MHS is doing whatever it possibly can to aid Haiti. Every cent raised could bring aid to those who have lost loved ones and help them to rebuild their lives.

This tragedy has brought together the world in sympathy to help a fallen nation regain its footing. The smallest donation can make a difference.

Bauman said, “The efforts to aid relief have really united the school and given support to Haiti.”