The big red United Way letters that have been all over Salina recently are at Central High School today, yet this event marks more than just another fundraiser. This year the Salina Area United Way has begun a fantastic relationship with the Student Councils of both Salina Central and South High Schools, and the United Way letters symbolize more than you may think.

“The students have expressed a desire to unite the two high schools and quell the rivalry that arises. They want to join together to tackle issues they feel are present for the young people of Salina,” said Amanda Michaelis, Executive Director of the Salina Area United Way. “The students divided into groups focusing on the three priority areas of education, income, and health, and have talked about service and fundraiser ideas for each area.”

Michaelis has been meeting with the combined Student Councils since August, and is excited to begin this partnership.

The students will host the United Way letters through the football game between Central and South High School. The ideas of the students go hand-in-hand with this year’s campaign theme of ‘Bigger Together’.

The Student Councils will be collecting donations for the Salina Area United Way during the day and at the game. For every donation received, a streamer of the donor’s school color will be attached to the letters. After all is said and done the letters will be cloaked in maroon, green, white and gold, symbolizing the unity of the two schools.

Now that’s how a community can be “Bigger Together”.