Wade Hampton High School in Greenville turned its annual Fall Spirit Week into a powerful community fundraiser, pulling in $270,020 for the Barbara Stone Foundation. The nonprofit, based in Greenville, focuses on expanding employment support for individuals with disabilities, a cause that resonates deeply with families and faith‑centered volunteers across the area.
Spirit Week activities rallied students and neighbors
From September 19 through 25, students participated in a packed schedule of events designed to bring the school and surrounding community together. Highlights included a pep rally that kicked off the week, a student‑run car wash, a sports camp for younger athletes, a talent show showcasing local performers, and a series of competitive sporting events.
The culmination of the week arrived on Friday during halftime of the Generals’ home football game against Chapman High School. In front of a packed stadium, the school presented a check to the Barbara Stone Foundation, marking the official transfer of the $270,020 raised.
Foundation leader praises the partnership
Lara Ceisel, executive director of the Barbara Stone Foundation, expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying, “This is a wonderful example of what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. We are excited to continue our work of making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities, their families, and our entire community.”
Ceisel’s remarks underscore the shared values of faith, family, and individual liberty that drive both the school and the foundation. By providing job training, placement services, and supportive resources, the Barbara Stone Foundation helps individuals with disabilities achieve economic independence—a goal that aligns with traditional family values and the belief in personal responsibility.
Impact on local families and the broader community
The funds will be directed toward expanding the foundation’s employment programs, which include vocational training, resume workshops, and employer outreach initiatives. For families in Greenville, these services mean greater opportunities for their loved ones to secure stable, dignified work and contribute to the local economy.
Community leaders praised the effort as a model of how schools can serve as hubs for charitable activity. “When our students see the tangible results of their hard work—like a check handed over at a football game—it reinforces the importance of service and stewardship,” said a Wade Hampton administrator who preferred to remain unnamed.
Looking ahead
Building on the success of this year’s Spirit Week, Wade Hampton High School plans to continue its partnership with the Barbara Stone Foundation in future fundraising cycles. Organizers hope to involve even more local businesses, churches, and parent volunteers, further weaving the fabric of community support around disability employment initiatives.
As the school year progresses, students and families alike will carry forward the spirit of generosity demonstrated during the fundraiser, reinforcing Greenville’s reputation as a place where faith, family, and liberty intersect to lift one another up.
Original reporting: Greenville Journal — read the source article.
