Barrington students help restore Joplin H.S.

A new student organization has been created at Barrington High School to help struggling high schools across the country — beginning with tornado-ravaged Joplin High School in Missouri.

“Go Beyond Barrington” was the brainchild of sophomore Jake Herb, borne out of an idea presented to Boy Scout Troop 21 last spring.

“We challenged the members of Troop 21 to do something big,” Jake's father, Tom, said.

To get the group started, Jake enlisted the help of the Barrington High School Colts Leadership — a group of juniors and seniors nominated by school faculty for their characters and leadership skills.

Though there are existing philanthropic clubs and organizations at the high school, Jake felt confident this new one wasn't treading on anyone else's territory.

“We have a unique outlook on what we're doing,” he said. “Joplin was just a perfect inspiration to gather behind.”

The group's contributions will help rebuild Joplin High School's Industrial Technology program, an elective for students interested in engineering.

“We are humbled by the generosity of these Barrington High School students,” Joplin High School Principal Kerry Sachetta said. “The Industrial Technology program is a way to give students interest in rebuilding their own community, and we are thrilled they want to help.”

The rebuilding of Joplin High School will be the focus of the group's fundraisers through at least the rest of this school year, Jake plans for “Go Beyond Barrington” to live on beyond the current student body and identify many other schools in need to support.

“They wanted this to not be just a one-hit wonder, but something they could leave behind,” Tom Herb said.

As such, “Go Beyond Barrington” has created a not-for-profit agency in time for its first fundraising events.

The first, the “Go Beyond Carnival,” is geared toward Barrington High students and takes place from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday. It will feature games, food, music and a live DJ. While admission is free, organizers hope to raise money through the games and carnival tickets.

The second event, “Jammin' for Joplin,” takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. in the high school auditorium, 616 W. Main St. Performing will be the school's best known student band, Flounder Gus; Barrington musician Pat McKillen; the high school's choral groups and more. Tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

To buy tickets or get more information, call (630) 715-4656 or visit gobeyondbarrington.org. “Go Beyond Barrington” hopes to raise $15,000 through the upcoming fundraisers.

Corporate sponsors include Pepper Construction, Wickstrom Auto Group and The Garlands of Barrington.

“The businesses were very interested in what we were doing from the start,” Jake Herb said.

Joplin High School sustained $151 million in damage as a result of the tornado. While repairs are ongoing for the next couple years, its student body will be divided among several different buildings.