District wide student efforts raise $5000 for such relief efforts as The American Red Cross and the President's Afghan Children's Fund Photos by Gary Olsen, Video by Charlie Ellis (Click on the appropriate button for your connection speed)

A special ceremony involving Congressman Jim Nussle was held at the Forum with student and teacher representatives of our schools to present a symbolic check for $2,500 to be given to President Bush for Afghan children's relief.

Organizer of the event was Director of Equity Operations for the District, Thom Determan. "It's remarkable how our students understand and sympathize with the many innocent children whose lives are in peril because of this conflict. There's no doubt that we are a relatively fortunate nation, and one of the best ways to help in these situations is to provide charitable support," adds Determan.

Such sentiments were echoed by our Superintendent, Dr. Jane Petrek, who introduced Congressman Jim Nussle who came to Dubuque's Forum administration facility to receive the check representing about half of the total number of dollars raised by our school children since events of September 11th. "Our children represent towers of service that nobody can knock down," said Nussle who evoked the memory of September 11th when terrorists attacked and destroyed the twin towers of the World Trade Center in New York, City.

Nussle acknowledged that we are a nation of compassionate people and it is illustrated in our youth and moments like these which make him very proud to be representing such young constituents.