Courtesy of Kirsten Brooks

On October 16, the Starr’s Mill High School staff wore shirts that said “I [Heart] Fred.” This was a fundraiser done by the marketing pathway for the school. This is another example of how the Panther family comes together to help each other.

On October 16, the Starr’s Mill High School staff came together to honor the retirement of fellow staff member Fred Harrington. This was done by the staff all wearing shirts with the words “We [heart] Fred.” 

Harrington was the parking lot attendant for the school where he would monitor who came into and out of the parking lot, and waited outside every morning to greet the students. Around the school he became known as Mr. Fred among the faculty and students. Currently, Mr. Fred is battling some health issues which have forced his retirement. 

“I think the fact that so many participated shows just how awesome the Starr’s Mill staff is,” math teacher Tony Klumper said. “How we really come together as a family when we need to.” 

This started with the marking pathway at the school run by Jennifer Beaubouef. The marketing pathway designed, made, and sold over 150 shirts to the staff and community. They raised just over $1,000 in a week and gave all the proceeds to Mr. Fred. 

“He just very much represented the community,” Beaubouef said. “He was kind, he tried so hard to just put a smile on everybody’s face, and he was a very unifying force on campus.” 

Mr. Fred’s situation is just one example of the Panther family coming together to help the community. There are other community events going on to help not just the Panther family, but the community, too. Those opportunities include the FCCLA collection drive for foster children, and the Trunk or Treat event, which was held on October 28. 

“Anytime something happens, people step up without being asked,” Beaubouef said. “[They] contribute time, money, energy into doing whatever they can to help that person.”