The Palmetto High PTSA President and Vice-President have begun to spearhead their latest fundraising endeavor. Palmetto seems to have a major need for revamping, but public schools practically rely on no funding whatsoever – therefore, the school has to take matters into their own hands.

The program they developed, “Campaign for Excellence,” raises funds for special projects that will benefit all the students at Palmetto. The first project is to raise $10,000 for a new sound board in the auditorium.

“Every student is either on stage or in the audience many times over their years at MPSH, and the current system is outdated and difficult to use,” second vice-president of the PTSA, Anna Hochkammer said. “With the new bond, a newly renovated auditorium will be available alongside updated technology as well.”

The members and representatives are approaching area businesses for corporate sponsorships which they will recognize with banners at the corner of 77th ave and 120th st. The first banner is already up, with many more to come.

Currently, they have $3300 pledged toward their goal (of $10,000). The Campaign for Excellence also accepts personal or individual donations from students and family members.

The Campaign is designed to support school’s needs and to give marketing exposure to companies. With a donation of one thousand dollars, a company will receive acknowledgement on the campaign’s website, e-blasts, and newsletters, in addition to receiving a 4 x 8 foot dedicated banner on the school perimeter fence for 90 days.

Once the funds become necessary for one item, the program will continue and become an ongoing project-based fundraising scaffold; mainly designed to raise the money for big ticket/more desirable and necessary items.

The new soundboard will have the ability to temporarily move during renovations and reinstalled afterwards.

“In this day and age, we can’t wait for the school district to do anything for us; we have to be prepared to do it ourselves” said Hochkammer. “We know we have the best comprehensive high school in Miami-Dade which is due to the fact that we have a great staff, a talented administration, and fabulous students. That excellence requires money to flourish – it needs resources, technology and materials.”

That is where the Campaign for Excellence is going to search for ways to fund.

Students in search for a community service project are welcomed to contact Anna Hochkammer at 305-335-7555 to see if there is anything they could do to assist.

“As a drama student, I practically live full time in that auditorium. I know just how horrific our sound system is and nothing would be better then a new one” freshman Ethan Paikowsky said. “Obviously I would love it. It would be greatly beneficial to most of the school.”

Seeing the large number of passionate individuals in the Palmetto community, starting such a great project further proves the appreciation and dedication of some.