In memory of Assistant Principal Angela Kulesha, who died Feb. 4, students at Spring Oaks Middle School raised $3,450 as part of this year’s Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Pennies for Patients Drive. Nine students in one Panthers at Work (PAW) study hall and reading period class raised $482, the largest single class donation, during the Jan. 28 through Feb. 15 fund-raising challenge period.

Students in that PAW class asked to give up a pizza party for their first-place finish so that more funds might be donated to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Domino's vouchers made it impossible to meet that request, but the students' selflessness was called exceptional by campus educators and leaders.

“Many students emptied their pockets at the end of each day,” Spring Oaks Middle algebra teacher Carol Strickland said. “Many also brought jars of change from home. Students solicited donations from relatives, friends and neighbors. Parents of former students contributed. The largest single donation came from a woman with no affiliation to Spring Branch schools.”

Assistant Principal Kulesha, 36, graduated from Eisenhower High School in 1990. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas, and then earned her master’s degree from North Arizona State University in Flagstaff, Ariz. In addition to Spring Oaks Middle, she taught in Adline ISD, in Phoenix, and at Stratford High School. Her memorial service was held Feb. 9 at Oaks Presbyterian Church in Houston. Donations were requested to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.