SPHS Seniors Join The Battle Against ALS Through Leadership Project

Severna Park High School (SPHS) seniors Caitlyn Boucher and Sara Kreis teamed up to fight ALS by partnering with the axeALS Foundation to create their own Leadership Institute-sponsored service project. The initiative took place from September until late December 2023. Through the project, the students raised money and awareness for ALS patients who struggle to pay for the treatments that help them stay alive and comfortable. The project also advocated for more research and treatment availability for the patients of this, so far, incurable disease.

Discovering that patients not only have to deal with ALS, but also the huge burden of expensive treatments, inspired the seniors to team up with the axeALS Foundation. Caitlyn and Sara raised $440 to give back to the foundation for patients to help afford their treatments, as well as sold bracelets for awareness, and wrote advocacy letters to governors and senators about what they can do to help this important cause.

The seniors claim they have been successful thanks to the training and support they have received from the Leadership Institute at Severna Park High School, run by Heather Barnstead and Elizabeth Colon. The teachers are just as excited and passionate about the projects as the students, helping them find success.