B.L.I.N.D. begins fundraising campaign

BY JOSEPH BUSTOS SVN REPORTER jbustos@svnmail.com STERLING - Sometimes education involves more than math, science and literature. Sometimes it includes character development. The annual effort to raise money for B.L.I.N.D. - Building Lasting Impressions that Never Die - has begun. The program, launched in 2001 at Sterling High, now includes Dixon and Newman students as well. They go to classes at all grade levels to help other students learn build character and self-esteem, and learn to work in teams. Members also do community service projects. Each summer, 65 students from the three schools go on a retreat to train to become B.L.I.N.D. leaders. "It's really good they have B.L.I.N.D. leaders who are students," said Marquell Addison, a freshmen who spoke at a luncheon Friday about the positive effect the program has had in his life. For example, the program helped him form a close friendship with senior Ryan Freed, crossing an age barrier that is sometimes hard to accomplish. Program coordinator Janet Freed estimates the program will have a $20,600 budget next school year. Anyone interested in donating to B.L.I.N.D., can send checks to the Sterling High School Parent Center at 1608 Fourth Ave. or call (815) 625-6800.