In the internet age there have been plenty of viral “change” campaigns, but there has not been one quite like the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. This challenge has raised well over 100 million dollars for research in ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, all by having people dump buckets of ice on themselves in order to raise awareness about this disease.
This attention that they have garnered has encouraged thousands of of regular people to donate money into ALS research foundations such as the ALS Association, which has received 15 million dollars since the beginning of this campaign.
Even DGN’s very own Principal Scott Kasik did the ice bucket challenge. He was nominated by JV Athenas, girls’ golf, and members of marching band.
In his video Kasik challenged, “all the students at North to do something every day for those in need.” Whether it be raising money for ALS research, helping a freshman find their class, or staying after class to help a teacher clean up after an activity, students can meet this challenge.
“I think sometimes we can think to ourselves, ‘Well, what can I do? I’m just one person and what difference does it make?’” Kasik said. “Most of us can’t make huge donations or aren’t in the position where we can have a direct impact. But each of us…can do something small, day to day, little things to impact and to help people.”
The N-Zone, DGN’s spirit organization, took the challenge Friday Night after the football game against Oak Park River Forest High School. Mark Mirandola, staff adviser for the N-Zone Program, said that he wants to raise over 1400 dollars for the cause.
Eric Splavec | A&E Editor