District 50 student raises money for cancer to honor grandmother, help others

Woodland Elementary District 50 officials say student Demar Scott is a young man with a heart and a vision.

On Feb. 11, the Woodland Elementary East student presented a check to the American Cancer Society in honor of his grandmother who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.

The third-grader proposed the idea back in October to his library media specialist, Kathryn Kick.

"During one of my library classes, Demar had reminded me that along with Fire Safety month, October was also Cancer Awareness month," Kick said. "He explained to me that his grandmother had breast cancer. Demar asked me if there was something we could do to help people with cancer."

After discussing some ideas, Demar decided to raise money to help come up with a cure.

"I wouldn't have come up with this idea if it wasn't for Mrs. Kick," Demar said.

The American Cancer Society donated 50 coin cups so each classroom could participate in the "Harvesting Coins for a Cure" school fundraiser. The fundraiser, held last fall, generated a total of $442.05.

"Once I found out how many people wanted to help out, I was pretty shocked," Demar said. "It feels good to help other people."

When Demar presented the check to the American Cancer Society, he stood before his grandmother and his mother with tears in his eyes.

"I started this fundraiser for my grandmother and all the other people with cancer," he said.

Principal Kenneth Hyllberg said students like Demar Scott allow us all to be more humble.

"I expect he will continue to accomplish good things in life. I hope I have the opportunity to see his next vision come to life," Hyllberg said.