B.J.'s Story

My name is B. J. Larsen, a St. Luke’s United Methodist Church member and Carmel Middle School 7th grade English teacher, part of an academic team consisting of science, social studies, math and English. Part of our social studies curriculum is the study of Africa. Last year one my students expressed their concerns and desires “to do something to help.” All I could answer was "write your Member of Congress" or "contact the UN."

But this year, while I was sitting in church one day, my pastor, Dr. Kent Millard, talked about "Nothing But Nets," and showed the congregation "the net" — a replica of the mosquito nets that gets sent to cover families’ beds in Africa. I immediately thought, "Bingo, this is the project for our students."

Net and DVD in hand, I set up an interdisciplinary approach with my other team teachers to instruct our students. Our social studies teacher focused on the study of the continent of Africa. Our science teacher engaged in the study of malaria. She set up blue anti-malaria net and had students sit under it to experience the feeling. Our math teacher set concrete goals and had students track with their progress with a chart— purple squares represented $1 raised, and basketballs representing the purchase of 1 net. I showed the Nothing But Nets promotional DVD, and had the class read and discuss the two Sports Illustrated Articles by Rick Reilly – "Nothing But Nets" and "Nothing But Thanks."

The students were immediately excited and committed. They:

• brought in their own money earned by babysitting and doing chores;

• solicited funds at their parents’ workplaces and at their own sports events; and dance recitals

• served as emissaries and ambassadors to the rest of the school – gave 5-minute presentations and passed out explanatory material and donation envelopes; and
  
• one student made a speech before her own congregation—the Indianapolis Church of Christ. They donated $1,000 to the cause!

When it was all said and done, the efforts of these 7th grade students (along with the team of dedicated teachers) totaled $5608 raised, which will be donated to Nothing But Nets through St. Luke’s.

Wow.

Thanks to everyone who supported us along the way.