Students give up trip for principal
A principal of a high school in the United States received an unexpected gift from her senior students on Tuesday (May 26): US$8,000 (S$10,800) for her cancer treatment.
What made the gift even more precious was the fact that the money had been saved up by the students over four years and was meant to fund their cross-state senior class trip.
Profile High School principal Courtney Vashaw, 37, was diagnosed with synovial sarcoma, a rare and aggressive soft tissue cancer, on May 8, reported NY Daily News.
She broke the news to her students on May 20.
The seniors took a vote among themselves and decided to donate their trip funds to her.
Student Ian Baker said: "She's just very caring, very selfless, and we wanted to be selfless too."
'So proud of these kids'
Instead of a four-day trip to New York, the students will be staying in New Hampshire.
Student Leanza Hunt, 17, said: "She's always taught us to be involved in our community and be compassionate to others.
"We wanted to help her as much as we could."
Ms Vashaw told ABC News: "I feel like this has been a beautiful experience as an educator.
"You work so hard to try and help cultivate not only academically astute young people but kids who care. I am just so impressed and so proud of these kids for being the embodiment of that."
Ms Vashaw will stay in school for a few more weeks to see the students get their diplomas before seeking specialised treatment in New York, reported ABC News.
Sources: ABC News, NY Daily News, WMUR
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