Fundraising problems to persist past pandemic

The Covid-19 pandemic has affected traditional class activities and efforts in a way that will linger for years, for both the junior and senior classes. 

“For the most part, our fundraising was shut down from March 2020 to October 2021 as we navigated the new normal. The Class of 2022 has not done any fundraising this year, but I know that the Class of 2023 has done two Krispy Kreme fundraisers in conjunction with Interact,” said Art Teacher Ms. Lauren Richie, who also is advisor of the junior and senior classes. 

“The major fund raising that occurs happens in the freshmen, sophomore and the first half of the junior year,” said Co-Principal Mr. Andrew Rantz. 

Although this year, it has been difficult to plan events due to Covid-19 restrictions, said Mr. Rantz. 

The junior class has been traditionally responsible for paying for the prom. Classes fundraise by selling Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, fruit, pizza and hosting dances such as the homecoming dance, added Mr. Rantz. 

Every year, each class aims to raise $3,000 in order to have $9,000 junior year to pay for prom, said Ms. Richie. She has been teaching at Milton since 2008 and has been the classes advisor for the 2019, 2021 and 2022 classes. 

According to Ms. Richie, on average, $5,000-$8,000 is spent on prom each year. 

 “It depends upon a lot of different choices the class makes, like where to have it, what type of foods, decorations, entertainment,” Ms. Richie added.  

After the prom, the classes usually have left over money for school trips such as going to Hershey Park or barbeques, said Mr. Rantz. 

Though the senior class did not host a prom last year, due to limited fundraising, they only had $4,000 to spend on a new event, said Ms. Richie. 

The senior class will use this money to host a drive-in movie on May 26. After movie night expenses, there will be no excess money, said Ms. Richie. 

If a class does have leftover money, it can go towards a senior gift such as planting a tree or a commemorative bench, said Mr. Rantz. 

Another way to use the leftover money is to donate it to other classes or clubs like the National Honor Society, added Mr. Rantz. 

If there is still extra money in the account after the class graduates, then it can be put into a savings account for events such as a reunion. Although after a few years, the money will be transferred from the class account to a general fund account for the district to use, said Mr. Rantz.