JM American Studies Students Raising $50,000 For Warrior Canine Connection

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The John Marshall High School American Studies students have raised more than $32,000 toward their $50,000 goal so the class can sponsor the training of two service dogs for returning wounded warriors.

For the past 13 years, the JM American Studies students have selected a Spirit of Service project to help those in need. This year’s class selected Warrior Canine Connection. The Warrior Canine Connection is an organization in which service members and Veterans with combat stress take on the critical mission of training service dogs for fellow Wounded Warriors.

“After the students met several servicemen and trainers at our annual Salute to the Veterans assembly at JM, they decided this should be their Spirit of Service project,” said teacher Valerie Wassmer. “Various JM students have collaborated and worked with the Rochester veteran community and generous Rochester citizens to raise more than $32,000. We hope that our community-wide clothing drive will help us reach our goal of $50,000.”

JM American Studies students will be accepting donations of clothing and shoes on April 11^th and 12^th in the John Marshall High School parking lot.  “The Disabled Veterans of America have been a tremendous help in the fundraising efforts and have once again stepped up to help our students achieve their $50,000 goal,” Wassmer said. The DAV has generously offered to donate all proceeds of the clothing drive, as well as match the dollar amount collected for the clothing items. All proceeds will be contributed to the Warrior Canine Connection spirit of service project.