Jackee Scarborough’s third grade extended learning class at University Hills Elementary School learned more than how to make lemonade after reading The Lemonade War by Jacqueline Davies. The novel, which chronicles a brother and sister’s battle to sell the most lemonade, inspired Scarborough to partner with a nationwide nonprofit lemonade stand to raise money for pediatric cancer research.
“This is who we are,” said Kelly Mahres, principal at University Hills. “We teach our kids to be the best examples of kind, caring and good humans who give back to their community.”
Scarborough’s class, along with the rest of University Hills summer students, will sell lemonade on Thursday, June 9 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. in front of the school, 2005 South Locust Street. The school has a goal to raise $400, which is equivalent to one hour of pediatric cancer research. All proceeds will benefit Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding the most impactful pediatric cancer research.
According to Mahres, the fundraising idea came after Scarborough’s class read the book and decided to get involved. The class is part of Las Cruces Public Schools’ ten days of extended learning time (ELT), which most LCPS elementary schools are participating in over the summer.
“In the morning, our students focus on intensive reading, writing and math,” said Mahres. “In the afternoon, they learn about entrepreneurship, and how to run a business through planning, profit and loss.”
Approximately 80 students are participating in ELT at University Hills, said Mahres.
The University Hills Eagle Lemonade Stand will sell lemonade for $1 a cup, or whatever donation patrons feel obliged to contribute. Donations can also be made online by clicking here.
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About Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra “Alex” Scott (1996 – 2004). In 2000, Alex, who was 4 years old at the time, announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money and help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex opened that first stand, the foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, including thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, ALSF has raised over $140 million, funding over 690 pediatric cancer research projects nationwide.