Presenting Project Fire Buddies with the money collected from our fundraiser.
The Hometown gymnasium is reaching new heights—literally and figuratively—as students, families, and staff rallied together for an exciting new project: fundraising for a brand-new rock wall that will inspire physical fitness, teamwork, and perseverance. But in true Hometown spirit, this initiative isn’t just about building something new for the school—it’s also about giving back.
In an inspiring act of generosity, the school partnered with Project Buddies Fire Program, a local organization dedicated to supporting children and families facing medical challenges or hardship. Half of the funds raised from the rock wall campaign will be donated directly to this life-changing program, which has already made a profound impact on one of the school’s very own students, Ronan, and his family.
The idea for the rock wall began with the school’s physical education teachers, Mr. Dave Dare and Ms. Rorie Wilson, who wanted to introduce a new, engaging activity that challenges both the body and the mind.
“We’re always looking for ways to get kids moving, excited, and confident in their abilities,” said PE teacher Dave Dare who helped spearhead the initiative. “A rock wall encourages balance, coordination, and problem-solving—it’s about setting goals and climbing toward them. It’s the perfect addition to our gym and to our school’s philosophy of growth through challenge.”
The proposed rock wall will span a section of the gymnasium, with climbing routes designed for a variety of skill levels. Safety mats and harnesses will ensure that every student—from kindergarteners to fifth graders—can experience success. The wall will be used not only during physical education classes, but also for after-school clubs, special events, and even family nights.
“It’s going to be something the entire school can enjoy,” Ms. Wilson added. “We want this to be a symbol of what we can achieve when we work together.
As the planning for the rock wall began, the idea to share the fundraiser with another cause quickly took root.
“We knew this was a big project,” said Associate Principal Lisa Vines. “But we also wanted it to mean something bigger than ourselves. That’s when we decided to partner with the Project Buddies Fire Program. It’s an organization that has already touched the lives of one of our students, and we felt it was the right way to give back.”
The Project Buddies Fire Program provides hands-on experiences, gifts, and community support to children and families navigating medical hardships or disabilities. Through partnerships with local firefighters and first responders, the program helps families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
One of those families is the family of Ronan, a student who has personally benefited from the kindness and generosity of Project Buddies Fire Program.
By donating half of the proceeds from the rock wall fundraiser, the school community is paying it forward—helping other families experience the same support Ronan’s family has received.
The fundraiser wasn’t just a staff effort—students were fully engaged in making the dream a reality. The students who were top earners received prizes such as riding to school on a fire truck or ambulance on Halloween, being the P.E. teacher for the week, and free choice for the top earning grade level. “Seeing the kids take ownership of the project has been incredible,” said P.E. teacher Mr. Dare. “They’re not just learning about physical fitness—they’re learning about empathy, community, and the power of helping others.”
Along with the proceeds from this fundraiser, a grant from the D123 Education Foundation and other mini grants received, we are excited to announce that we have reached our goal and we will be getting a new rock wall installed in our gym!
For the students, the staff, and for everyone involved, the message is clear: when we work together, we rise together.