Notre Dame unites, raises $265,000

We have all heard that age-old adage, "Hard work pays off." Notre Dame Regional High School helps to renew our faith in that adage, as hard work resulted in more than doubling its fundraising goal.

Congratulations to Notre Dame Regional High School for raising more than $265,000 in a unified effort that involved students, staff, parents and supporters as far away as St. Louis and Marion, Illinois. That total, more than double its goal, was not raised over the past year or even over the months since the school year commenced. It was raised in one week as students sold various items, including fruit, candy, raffle tickets and garbage bags. Each class also held a carwash and hosted a dinner.

Often, it takes more than hard work or great ideas to reach goals. It takes everyone involved buying into the vision, getting excited about the possibilities of what their efforts may bring. Sparking that enthusiasm is not always an easy task for leaders. Maintaining it may be even harder. Notre Dame managed to do both.

Danny Strohmeyer, dean of student activity, told Southeast Missourian reporter Katie Lamb, "The enthusiasm in the building during the school day last week was incredible." He added, "Every student, from freshman to senior, was excited and excited to be here. We had assemblies every day, and they came dressed in costumes and cheered, all excited about Notre Dame and Activity Week and fundraising."

Every student sold something. Parents worked together.

We applaud Notre Dame. Students may have learned more lessons during Activity Week -- through dinners and sales and rambunctious assemblies -- than they learned while sitting behind their classroom desks: in unity, there is strength; excitement breeds excitement; and hard work really does pay off.