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In this article, Kenlee recaps the final Sparrow assembly and the outstanding outcome of the support for Jesse this year.
jesse departs from the nest
jesse departs from the nest
By Kenlee Rapport
By Kenlee Rapport
Grants Pass High School has dedicated themselves to The Sparrow Club for many years now. This non-profit program was created to empower and uplift children with health issues by creating a fundraising goal to fulfill financial needs. This money is used towards the Sparrows' surgeries, medical bills, therapy, and more. High schools across Oregon raise money through student community service hours, which helps to develop a support system for the sparrow and their family.
The community service hours served by GPHS students are more than just hours: they mean the possible transformation of a life. As a student, the volunteer work teaches integrity, commitment, compassion, and overall kindness. At the end of the year, students are able to see the impact and importance of their work before their own eyes. This pours hope into the hearts of students, teachers, staff, and especially the sparrows. The money earned is sponsored by local companies and organizations that contribute a certain amount of money per student service hour. This program brings whole communities together across the globe and guides them to focus on a great cause.
Picture By: SparrowClubs
Jesse is our thoughtfully chosen sparrow of the year, who has been motivating students of all ages to contribute to the community. His powerful story has touched the hearts of many and has encouraged people to pitch in no matter the amount. According to the Sparrows Club website, Jesse is an affectionate seven-year-old boy who finds great joy in music, nature, local theater, and meeting new people. Jesse was diagnosed with VSD (Ventricular Septal Sefect) and Down's Syndrome during pregnancy. As a baby, he had two open heart surgeries in which the two large holes in his heart were successfully patched up with mesh by doctors. As of today, Jesse's health is steady except for the small murmur in his heart, which requires him to have regular echocardiograms. He is also vulnerable to choking on food and drinks, which requires someone to assist and watch him at all times. Hypotonia is a weakness in the muscles and joints that contributes to his posture and movement, as well as hypothyroidism that impacts his growth and energy. Thankfully, Jesse partakes in physical therapy and has a loving support system around him. Thanks to the club, sponsors, and students, the Grants Pass community was able to make an impact on this sweet little boy's life!
Video By: Sparrow Clubs USA
On Apr. 21, Grants Pass High School's leadership team held a wrap-up assembly in the PAC for all the students who participated in serving the community for Jesse. The assembly started off with light-hearted, fun challenges, allowing the crowd to actively participate. These activities included balancing three balloons in the air and pulling out handkerchiefs as fast as possible from a box. These games created a fun and energizing mood for the crowd. An adorable video of Jesse was played on the big screen for everyone to see. This video consisted of multiple clips: Jesse at Fort Vannoy Farms on the tractor ride, Jesse attempting to eat bubbles, and him on Halloween dressed up as a safari explorer, allowing the crowd to see Jesse's cute and funny personality. He captures people's attention with his outgoing personality.
Kena Sampson, head of Southern Oregon Sparrow Clubs, delivered a speech on her own gratitude and that of Jesse's family. She displayed the stack of letters that Grants Pass High School students put their time into writing for Jesse. With a drumroll from the attendees, she announced the outcome for the 2025-26 Sparrow program. As a community of students, GPHS completed over a thousand community service hours! Astoundingly, this surpasses the set goal of 300 hours. Specifically, from the coin drive, Grants Pass High School raised $2500 just from pennies and bills. Each contribution, no matter the amount, significantly made a difference. An anonymous student from Grants Pass High School shares, “I felt happy because I know I contributed to helping him grow up and live a happy life.” In even more good news, outside of the community service hours and sponsorship through events such as the Caveman Showcase and Father/Daughters Dance, $10,000 was collected. All of these donations are being wholly contributed towards Jesse's family. The assembly ended with a send-off for Jesse and his family, featuring a tunnel of students accompanied by clapping and cheers.
This year, Grants Pass High School went the extra mile to provide for Jesse and his family. Jesse has made a significant positive impact on the community, and he will forever be remembered as one of our incredible sparrows. It was a delight to simultaneously serve Jesse and others. Once again, Grants Pass has shown its encouraging devotion to people in the community.
Sources:
Sources:
Anonymous Interview
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