Letter to the editor: Student fundraising shouldn't be competition

School fundraising shouldn't be a competition for students

As the grandmother of two Hagerstown elementary school students, I am writing to express my concern about the growing trend of our local schools partnering with outside fundraising companies that employ practices which place undue pressure on our children.

While fundraising may be necessary to support various school activities and programs, it is disheartening to see the use of tactics that harm the self-esteem and morale of young students. Specifically, the practice of awarding prizes through these fundraising initiatives creates a competitive environment where children feel excluded and inadequate when they do not receive a prize.

Every child deserves to feel valued and appreciated for their efforts, regardless of their ability to raise funds. The focus should be on fostering a sense of community and collaboration, not on promoting unnecessary competition.

These contests exacerbate existing inequalities among students, as those with more resources or larger social networks will have an unfair advantage in fundraising competitions.

As a community, we must prioritize the well-being and emotional development of our children above all else. I urge our schools to reconsider their partnership with fundraising companies that employ these divisive tactics and instead explore fundraising methods that encourage inclusivity and positivity.

Ellen Beckett

Hagerstown