FUND-RAISER Springfield High School rebelling for a good cause

Money is being raised for a former student who has leukemia.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Nikki Burkhart intends to break her school dress code every day this week, and the 18-year-old, a senior at Springfield High School, is encouraging her peers to join her cause.
Burkhart, along with some help from her friends, initiated and organized Rebel Week to raise money for a former student diagnosed with acute leukemia.
Through Friday, for $1 a violation, students can wear flip-flops, hats, baseball caps, cut-off jeans, pajamas, slippers and other forbidden attire to school. School staff may also participate.
"The more violations you have the better," Burkhart said. "If you wear flip-flops, sunglasses and a hat, that's three violations."
And that's three bucks. Burkhart is hoping to raise at least $1,000 for Erin Splitstone, a 2004 Springfield graduate.
Burkhart said she heard Splitstone's story and hasn't been able to stop thinking about her. She read about a Rebel Week fund-raiser at another local school and asked school officials if she could have a similar effort at Springfield.
"I wanted to do something," she said. "I don't know Erin very well. We used to work at the same place. She doesn't have any health insurance. I thought this was something we could do at school that doesn't take a lot of work that the students can get into. But we have to keep it tasteful and respectful. You can't wear anything too outrageous."
Tank tops and short shorts, for example, remain off-limits.
Upon entering school each morning, participants pay and receive a stamp on their hand for each violation so school officials know they have paid for the privilege of violating the dress code.
"We want to have fun, but keep focused on what this is for," Burkhart said. "It's to help Erin."
Meanwhile, on June 25, there will be a lunch and Chinese auction to raise money for Splitstone's medical bills at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, Woodworth Road in New Springfield.
Hours are 1 to 8 p.m. The cost is $10 for general admission and $5 for children ages 3 to 12. There is no admission charge for children under 3.
The event will feature various foods, a clown and activities for children.