Guest Editorial: These deserving students need help with essential expenses

Kosciuszko Middle School students who won first prize in a statewide competition by creating a public service announcement will soon be travelling to Texas to participate in a youth leadership training conference.

By Michelle Odrobina
Five students recently have made Hamtramck proud and we would like to help them in return.
The Kosciuszko Middle School students won first prize in a statewide competition by creating a public service announcement (PSA) video warning other students about the dangers of vaping.
Their first-place win is a trip to Grapevine, Texas to participate in a youth leadership training conference July 16-20, 2023, sponsored by the Community Anti Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA).
We at Piast Institute have set up a GoFundMe page to help the students defray extra expenses connected with their Texas trip for a CADCA training conference. The link is gofundme.com/f/All Star Junior Coalition.
So far, the money donated is approximately $750, but the total needed is $3,104 to cover the costs of food, three meals a day, incidentals and ground transportation.
The Piast connection with the students stems from their activities as the All Star Junior Coalition, a work group of the Hamtramck Drug Free Community Coalition, an outreach program of the Piast Institute with Hamtramck public schools.
Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib and the city council recognized the students in a proclamation reading that the youths of Hamtramck have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to promoting public health and preventing substance use and addiction among their peers.
The public service announcement (PSA) video was a challenging contest. Within an hour, the students had to create a video on their cell phones. The local team was vying against competitors from across the state.
The Hamtramck group of 7th and 8th graders were Maryam, Tasbeh, Sharif, Muhamed and Tishiya.
Their PSA video focused on vaping prevention, emphasizing that statistics show the majority of peers their age do not vape, and vaping is not worth missing time with their friends.
Please help these students enjoy their memorable trip without worrying about money needed for the essentials. Please consider additional donations to cover processing fees from GoFundMe.
Checks can also be made out to the Piast Institute and mailed to the Piast Institute at 11633 Joseph Campau, Hamtramck, MI 48212 with Memo: All Stars. If you prefer donating online, visit gofundme.com/f/AllStarJuniorCoalition.
If you have additional questions, contact HDFCC Director Lara Girdwood at girdwood@Piastinstitute.org or visit hamtramckdrugfree.com/allstar.html.

(Michelle Odrobina is a communications specialist for the Piast Institute.)
Posted June 16, 2023