Senior Olivia Holsinger is a 4 year member of Portsmouth West Key Club. Each year Olivia has fundraised for the Autism Project of Southern Ohio. However, due to COVID, the group was unable to fundraise and were in need of more financial assistance this year. Olivia took it upon herself to make this year's fundraising project at Portsmouth West High School an even bigger success.
She decided to have competition between grade levels to encourage students to purchase puzzle pieces. She stepped out of her comfort zone to make announcements at the high school throughout the month of April to spur on the competition and keep students and staff updated. She even contacted the administration at the other two buildings to organize hat days.
An anonymous donor offered to match the donation up to $500 so Olivia broadened her fundraiser to try and reach this goal. Eric Nichols, the Special Education Director at Portsmouth West, heard of Olivia's project and made a district wide announcement to enlist the support of more groups. The high school choir under the direction of Linda Tieman raised $200 at their Musical Showcase, Portsmouth West elementary and middle school collected close to $500 and Olivia was able to go above and beyond her goal by raising $1752 at last count.
The Autism Group of Southern Ohio hopes to raise $6000. Anyone interested in contributing to this cause can find them on Facebook. Portsmouth West High School could not be any more proud of our Olivia Holsinger!
contributed by Leah Blevins