Joy HandsberryLos Alamos High School students will “Jump for Joy” (Joy Handsberry that is) from 7:30 a.m. Friday to 7:30 a.m. Saturday to raise funds for the Los Alamos High School math teacher’s chemotherapy treatment for ovarian cancer.
Students will jump around the clock in 1.5-hour shifts in a bouncy house set up on the lawn of LAHS. Chaperones will be on hand throughout the event, including the night shift. More than 40 students have signed up so far, event organizer Emma Lathrop said.
Lathrop is a senior at LAHS. “Ms. Handsbery was my math teacher when I was a sophomore,” Lathrop said. “She was not only one of the best math teachers I’ve ever had, she’s an amazing person.”
Those wishing to contribute to the jump-o-thon can sponsor a jumper, drop off a check to the lock box at the event or place funds in a Los Alamos National Bank account set up to collect funds for Handsberry’s treatment. The account is called “Jump for Joy Handsberry.” Tellers at the bank are aware of the account and contributors can simply tell them the contribution is for the fund.
“The purpose is to raise awareness as well as money,” Lathrop said. “Ms. Handsbery has touched so many people’s lives.”
Lathrop has joined forces with fellow student Emily Pittman and teachers Judy Nekimken and Lynn Ovaska in planning a number of other events to support Hansberry and raise funds for her treatment.
A spaghetti dinner will take place 5:30-7:30 p.m., Thursday at the Christian Church, 92 East Road. The dinner includes spaghetti and meatballs, salad, bread, lemonade, iced tea and a cookie for a donation determined by the giver.
A dunk tank, featuring not only teachers, but Principal Sandy Warnock will take place at lunchtime today at LAHS, among other activities planned at the high school.
Ovaska and some of her senior students are selling organic, Fair Trade coffee, to help raise funds to take themselves and Handsberry to Europe as a celebration to mark the end of her chemotherapy. The 10-ounce bag, whole bean or ground, in French Roast, Dark Roast, MediumRoast and Decaf is selling for $12. Call Ovaska at 505.663.2580 to purchase coffee.
