The senior advisories at Fossil Ridge are approaching the finale of senior service projects. Service projects have been inspired by specific needs of the Fort Collins community. As a common goal, seniors have chosen projects as a class in order to bring awareness to and fundraise for need based programs such as homeless shelters, food banks, and Red Cross organizations. Fossil has been the host for blood drives and even haircuts for women’s breast cancer as a result of all student directed initiatives.

An additional outstanding cause a Fossil advisory class decided to pursue was Respite Care. Prestyn Martin and Christopher Taylor, the capStone leaders were first inspired to bring awareness and support as Martin volunteered regularly at the only Respite care program in Fort Collins. “I recognized a big need for funds to keep supporting the program and it’s benefits,” said Martin. “Respite care does not receive the attention it needs.” CapStone leaders were chosen based on each individual’s dedication and leadership in previous projects to supervise the senior service project.

Respite Care provides a “home away from home” for children with developmental disabilities. The programs offered at Respite Care strive towards creating a safe environment and providing enriching activities for all ages. “There is only one Respite Care for children in Fort Collins, so it is very important that we give more to these children,” said Taylor.

Martin and Taylor’s class is preparing a dodgeball tournament to fundraise for Respite Care as well as engage personally with the children in the programs. They are currently searching for sponsorships and donations from anyone interested in supporting their senior service project.

The advisory class will be hosting the games on March 24 in the gym from 5:00 pm to 8:30 pm. The cost is five dollars per every individual and sign up for five person teams will be open on March 22. Fossil’s Unified teams will also be represented during the game. “Our service project was also inspired from Fossil’s Unified teams and Best Buddies,” Martin stated. “They were a big driving force and hope they will have a great time with us.”

Karen Lemmon, the class and project advisor stated that she is “pleasantly surprised with how everything is coming together” despite her hesitancy with the dodge ball tournament. “It is a unique way of combining a fun event for a greater purpose.”