ROCHELLE – While many schools were not in session last Monday for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Rochelle Township High School remained in session because it believes the best way to honor his legacy and teachings is by understanding, hearing and implementing his idea that all people deserve to be respected, honored and validated to realize their potential.
To do this, RTHS collected spare change and supplies during its second period classes so that they could be donated to those in need. The collection was set up not only Monday, but throughout the entire week.
The funds and supplies collected through the school donations were donated to three local organizations.

According to the school’s daily announcements the main goal of the event is to earn the funds and necessities these organizations need, so that the people at the Rochelle Rescue Mission, Rochelle Gardens and the Hope House will be able to live a more purpose-filled life.
“Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” Dr. King once said.
In the daily announcements from Jan. 20, RTHS states that the school believes his words reflect what the school does for the community in many ways.
In addition to the fundraiser being held during second period classes, the school is also conducting a letter writing campaign during study halls and freshman seminars. The thank you letters that were written during that week were hand-delivered to the Rochelle VFW, Rochelle Firehouse, Rochelle Community Hospital, and the Rochelle Police Department, depending on who they were addressed to.
By the end of the week, the school earned a total of $753.48 in cash and 706 items that will be donated to the three local organizations. Additionally, 128 letters and notes were given to emergency personnel and veterans within community.