We all suffered a loss this month when our beloved secretary, Pam Crawford, was taken from us. However, in the face of this horrible tragedy, there have been so many good people stepping up to the plate to support the Pam Crawford Scholarship Fund which will keep Pam's memory alive in our hearts.

One high school student was instrumental in spearheading several fundraisers. Billy Raynovich is a student in Ms. York's class. For those of you who do not know Billy, he is always smiling and seems very happy. He is thirteen years old and suffers from an incurable heart condition that often lands him the hospital. In spite of his illness, he manages to keep up with his school work and at the same time do for others. Billy helped to raise over $250.00 for the Pam Crawford Memorial Scholarship.

When interviewed, Billy shared with us some very inspirational insights.

Interviewer: What inspired you to conduct the fundraiser?

Billy: I started the fundraiser after the accident because I knew Pam very well. I heard about the scholarship fund and I wanted to help with it. I talked to Mrs. York and asked her how I could help and she suggested I help with donations.

Interviewer: What did you like about Pam?

Billy: I loved Pam because she helped me when I got into trouble. I remember one time she helped me get a new coat. I liked the way Pam was always friendly. Pam was like the "mommy" of the elementary.

Interviewer: Who helped getting this fundraiser together?

Billy: April Halloway was a big help. She helped me by making a box

and signs. She helped taking up the money, too, during "Pam Week."

Ms. Maiberger was always there to help me with announcements and flyers. Ms. York gave me time and encouragement to do the fundraiser. The office aides were always there for me, too.

Interviewer: Is this the first time you have helped to raise money for anyone?

Billy: No, my family had several fundraisers for my aunt who has cancer. I helped mom take up money for the party. We stapled posters up in town, too.

Interviewer: What are your plans for your next fundraiser?

Billy: I am going to help with the "Bowl-a-Thon" fundraiser which will be held at the Community Bowling Lanes in Georgetown on February 15, 2009 from 1:00-4:00. In the spring, we are going to have another "Pam Week" at the high school. We are going to have lots of exciting events for the kids at school. After that, we will keep doing "Pam Week" once a year.

Interviewer: Who would you like to be like when you grow up?

Billy: When I graduate I want to be like Pam and stay with Ripley Schools. I want to be a secretary.

Interviewer: Do you have any secret wishes?

Billy: I want everything to be right like Pam had it. I wish I had a normal body without any heart problems. I know that won't happen. I wish I had a bike to ride, because mine is broken.

Interviewer: What was the hardest part of doing this fundraiser?

Billy: The hardest part was getting people to give money and not having enough time to plan or do the fundraiser right. We had a lot of teachers and parents that gave money and I want to thank them.

Interviewer: What does friendship mean to you?

Billy: Friendship means love and caring and the magic that holds us all together.

Interviewer: Do you think others should be like you?

Billy: I think we should all care about each other and should always do something to help others.

Needless to say, Billy is going to get that bike. Merry Christmas, everyone.