Help Parkersburg!!!

This is a picture of the school after the tornado hit.



Ms. Lynne Mulder nominated Aplington-Parkersburg High School for a $25,000 prize from Henkel Helps Schools to improve your school, and our judges have selected your school as one of 10 finalists! Winners will be chosen by online, public voting.



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Here was the entry for your school:



On May 25, 2008 an F5 tornado destroyed a third of the community of Parkersburg, IA. The high school was destroyed. High Schoolers will be attending the Middle School in Aplington making cramped quarters this school year, but everyone is determined to make it work. The construction of a new school will begin soon with the goal of being in it by the start of the 2009-2010 school year. $25000 could be used in so many areas, new textbooks are needed, desks, computers, classroom equipment, sound equipment for the auditorium, the list goes on and on as so much was lost or damaged. The students have stepped up to help with cleanup in the community as well as helping to get the other school buildings rearranged to house more students. It would be a wonderful reward for them to receive a grant such as this. So many of the students lost their own homes yet they want to continue helping others. My own children lost their grandparents to the storm and they would like to make a contribution to the school in their honor. The students will face many emotional challenges this year in addition to the academic challenges of high school. Any contribution lets them know people care for them and want them to succeed and show that "Falcons Rise Again!"



From the more than 1,500 entries we received, our judges have narrowed the field to the top 10 nominations, and now it’s up to you, your students, staff and the community to help Aplington-Parkersburg High School win the $25,000 grand prize for renovations to your school, as nominated by Ms. Mulder. Two runners up will each receive a check for $2,500.



We will be announcing the Top 10 through news releases to the national media, as well as media in your area the week of October 6. Please help us spread the word, and help your school win!



All you have to do is tell your students, staff and your community to visit http://www.henkelhelps.com from October 6th – October 19th to vote for your school. Each valid e-mail address will be allowed one vote per day. The school with the most votes at the end of the voting period will win $25,000 and a visit from Henkel representatives the week of October 27. We will work with the grand prize winner to set up an assembly for the check presentation. Official rules for the contest are on the Web site as well.



Don’t forget that anyone, nationwide, with a valid e-mail can vote. Get everyone involved – and don’t forget about your local media. If you do have contact with the media, please let me know, as I can help with follow up and get them any information necessary.