RISE: one of the school’s biggest events of the year. A time to rally together community members, students, and faculty alike to support a cause greater than themselves. An opportunity to make an impact not just within Vestavia, but throughout the world.
We’ve been talking a lot about RISE over the last month, including how to get involved in it and what it’s for. Despite all this talk about the fundraiser, many people don’t know the students behind it. Tons of people make RISE possible, from team members and team captains to committee members and committee chairs. However, there is a smaller group of students who have spent months planning for the fundraiser and who serve as the face of RISE to sponsors and other community leaders: the RISE Chairs.
This year, the chairs are Sam Cunningham, Joe Eshleman, Miller Murray, Livi Cate Osborne, and Sarah Jane Richardson. I asked them a few questions to learn more about what they do and why they do it.
They have all been deeply involved in RISE over the last three years of high school, with each of them being a member or a captain of a RISE team. Many of them have also been a part of a committee, such as the Team Development Committee or the Prayer and Unity Service Committee. They each care deeply about the cause behind the fundraiser, so taking on the responsibilities associated with the job of chair was just their next step in advancing RISE’s mission. For instance, Miller shared that she was a team captain the first two years of high school and “had really fallen in love” with the cause and “wanted to devote [her] time to becoming more involved.”
It’s clear that each of the chairs have a deep passion for what they do. I asked them to explain a bit more about what their job entails, and they told me that it involves speaking with sponsors and overseeing all of the teams and committees. Joe said that additional responsibilities include “writing thank you letters, setting up before events,” and “speaking at luncheons.” There is no doubt that the chairs have a lot on their plates and work tirelessly to ensure that the entire RISE season runs smoothly.
They also support the many events that take place throughout the spring to raise additional funds. Sarah Jane’s favorite event is the Sadie Hawkins Dance, and Miller’s favorite is Kids' Day. Both Joe and Sam picked the Rebel Run as their top choices, with Joe adding that he’s hoping to “beat [his] 5K time from last Rebel Run” at this year’s race.
All of their hard work throughout the season culminates on RISE Day. The chairs are involved in every aspect of the event, from setting up the event to putting on the luminaries ceremony to revealing the grand total of funds raised at the end of the night. All of them shared that their favorite part of the event is the luminaries ceremony, with Livi Cate explaining that “it’s a moment to reflect and remember why we do this all.” Miller also highlighted the performances by student bands as a favorite of hers, and Joe enjoys visiting all of the tents.
RISE would not be possible without the dedicated effort of each of the chairs. However, it also would not be possible without the participation of each member of the student body. The chairs encourage everyone to join a team and a committee, because, as Sam explains, “it is a great opportunity to raise awareness for a special cause.” Sarah Jane added that “by joining a RISE team, you are automatically plugged in, and you can easily raise money for the fundraiser and be a part of something special.”
We all have a part to play in making RISE a successful event, so make sure you do your part over the next few months leading up to RISE day on Saturday, April 15. And, while you’re at it, tell a RISE Chair “thank you” for all of their hard work.
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