Every year during the month of October, the Academy sponsors Aloha United Way (AUW) fundraisers coordinated by the Student Council and lower school.

For the past century, AUW has provided funds for local nonprofits as an agency that “mobilizes the caring power of our community to make a difference in people’s lives.”

For its first fundraiser, students participated in Dress Down or Dress Up Day on Oct. 17. For $3, students dressed in appropriate formal or informal wear. This was the first time students could dress up. A total of  $1,368 was raised.

The Bake Sale followed. Thanks to the Parent Organization which labeled and priced donated goods and manned tables at the sale, about $3,300 worth of goodies was sold.

The biggest event of the month for students and faculty was the Costume for a Cause day. For another $3, students and teachers wore Halloween costumes, raising $1,357.

Toni Normand, Director of Student Activities, said, “I think the students did a great job. I was especially excited for the Costume for a Cause because of the interesting, unique and creative costumes that were worn. Initially, we were worried that there wouldn’t be much of a turnout, so I was glad to see so many dress up.”

On Halloween, students attended the pep rally in the gym, where divisions showed their class spirit through dances and cheers. At the end of of the rally, the results of the month-long “Teacher Go Fund Me” fundraiser was announced. Select groups of teachers had announced that if students raised a certain amount of money, they would perform. Since Spanish teachers Sean Rist and Keeley Cestare were the winners with $220, they performed the promised “Cat Daddy” dance.  All Teacher Go Fund Me acts raised $300.

A grand total of $6,500 was raised through the high school activities. The lower school total was not yet available. Last year, a total of $11,060 was raised during the fundraiser, including both upper and lower school.