Student steps up to help out teacher
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

Amherst Middle School student Lauren Olszewski, 13, promotes Cancer Awareness Week, an event she organized for a teacher whose brother has been diagnosed with cancer. Photo by Jessica L. Finch

When someone helps a stranger she is called a Good Samaritan.

And while Lauren Olszewski, 13, and one of her teachers at Amherst Middle School aren't exactly close, they wouldn't be considered strangers. But Lauren has still earned the title by pledging to help her teacher during a most difficult time.

The young philanthropist has organized a Cancer Awareness Week to raise money for a teacher whose brother has been diagnosed with cancer.

"I heard from other teachers, and students that have (the teacher's) class about it," she said about learning the bad news.

Lauren said she noticed the teacher, who was not identified, was upset and depressed about the situation, and the student wanted to help.

When asked if she and the teacher were close, Lauren said, "Not really." She just thought the special week would be a good idea.

From April 7 to 11, students at the school can pay to take part in different dress-up days: Hat Day, Crazy Sock Day, Sports Apparel Day, School Spirit Day (all orange and black) and Pajama Day.

"It's things that we usually can't wear in school," said Lauren, who plans to collect the money daily with the help of a teacher.

Lauren made posters that are hanging around the school, getting students ready for the weeklong fundraiser.

"The teacher was very emotional. (The teacher) seemed happy and very thankful," she said.

Debbie Starks, a seventh-grade teacher at Amherst Middle, was moved by Lauren's idea and helped with the formation of Cancer Awareness Week.

"She has gone above and beyond," Starks said. " I think this is a great student initiative, and a nice reminder, that some students at this level are really starting to look beyond their own immediate needs and reach out to help others."

This is Lauren's first venture in fundraising, and she is asking the community to support her efforts and agree to donate to help fight cancer.

Call Amherst Middle School at 362-7100 for information on how to help. Those who want to make a donation to the school's Cancer Awareness Week can make checks out to the Roswell Park Alliance Foundation.