The Braelinn Stars sent last year out on a high note, picking charities to support with the help of local non-profit Kipper.

The Braelinn staff got “kippered,” and Principal Erinn Angelo wanted to get the students involved. Building on a leader trait focus, they wanted to practice service to others. Kipper donated $100 to each of the five 5th grade classrooms, and each class was charged with deciding how they wanted to serve others through their donation. Students researched charities and non-profits, then voted on the recipients for their class’s funds.

Each homeroom presented their choices during a Leader in Me assembly and shared a lesson on service with the students in grades K-4.

Animal-related causes were popular, as Royal Animal Refuge and Animal Care Clinic of Peachtree City were picked. The other classes chose St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Child Welfare League of America, and Stand Up to Cancer.

Kipper, Inc. is a non-profit created by retired teacher and school counselor Kelly Green to honor those who educate and those who want to pursue education through fun giveaways and scholarships. To find out how to get involved, go to www.kipperinc.org.