Two schools, divided by a bitter rivalry, united to raise money for victims of a school shooting during a basketball game on Feb. 16. Two days prior, seventeen people were killed and fourteen were taken to hospitals during the fourth-worst school shooting in history at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida. To help provide the families of the victims relief and financial support, the Broward Education Foundation- a branch of the county school board- set up a GoFundMe fundraiser.

Assistant principal and athletic director Matt Johnson of Olathe South proposed the idea of a fundraiser to Falcon Flight Crew, Olathe South’s spirit club.

“I knew we [Olathe South] had a big game coming up against OE and while I recognized how big our rivalry is, I also knew that we are two very passionate schools that like to do the right thing and make a difference in a positive way,” he said.

During the game, students walked through the stands collecting funds. Attendees of the game also had the choice to donate online. After the game, Olathe South and Olathe East had raised over $300 for the victims of the shooting in a show of rare unity.

“I am very proud of both schools for coming together in the face of this tragedy,” Johnson said.

Andrea Shehi // Staff Writer