During the weeks following Hurricane Harvey, which affected numerous people in the Baytown/Highlands area in Texas, groups across the country have reached out to assist those in need. Many Goose Creek Consolidated Independent School District students and their families, especially those at Ross S. Sterling High School, were among those whose homes, vehicles and belongings were lost due to flooding.
Sapulpa Public Schools is a school district that has proven to have a big heart when it comes to helping others. Its Texas ties are through Adam Shibley, head baseball coach at Ross S. Sterling High School since Sapulpa High School is his alma mater and he previously coached at the school. His middle brother, Seth Shibley, is principal at Sapulpa High School, and his other brother, Steve Shibley, is assistant principal at Sapulpa Junior High.
“We haven’t ever done anything like this, but we decided to work hard to see what we could do. We announced it at a football game, and our National Honor Society students collected money. We put together a slideshow of pictures of the devastation in the area, and our students and staff decided they really wanted to help Sterling High School students. This was a districtwide effort that included our four elementary schools, middle school, junior high and high school,” said Seth Shibley.
Adam Shibley recently presented $3,633.13 in $25 Walmart gift cards to Nathan Chaddick, Sterling principal, on behalf of Sapulpa Public Schools for students who were affected by Harvey. In addition, he gave Chaddick 17 $20 Walmart gift cards received from Jefferson Heights Elementary in Sapulpahel, for a total of $3,973.13. Counselors and social workers who are working with families will determine the recipients based on need.
“It’s looking a little better on the surface here, but behind the scenes and behind the closed doors of the homes, there’s still a lot of need going on, so this is great timing. We are very appreciative,” said Chaddick.