CCHS students take time from their holiday to work local MDA Telethon phone bank

More than 30 Wheeling Central Catholic High School (CCHS) students volunteered an hour of their time during this past Labor Day holiday to answer phones for the local broadcast of The Annual Jerry Lewis MDA Labor Day Telethon. As part of the school’s community service focus, students volunteered for two sessions at the WTRF-TV7 television studios in Wheeling.

“It wasn’t hard to get students to participate,” said Jeff Smay, CCHS Campus Ministry director and organizer of student volunteers for the MDA telethon. “Every year, we ask for volunteers and we always get a great response. I’m proud of our kids for showing such poise and maturity in handling the donation pledge calls.”

Reports indicate that locally the telethon raised a total of $275,806 to support research into finding a cure for neuromuscular diseases that affect more than a million Americans.

Central Catholic’s student community service program is unrivaled in the Ohio Valley. On an annual basis, students have the opportunity ot participate in more than 40 events and activities during the year to benefit local non-profits and other organizations in need.

In mid-September, student members of the CCHS Girls and Guys United To Serve (GUTS) worked at Wheeling’s Sternwheeler Festival at the Heritage Port. Central English teacher Lou Volpe, GUTS director, coordinated student participation at that event.

With a foundation dating back to the 19th century, a faith-based education stands as the hallmark of Wheeling Central Catholic High School. Located in the heart of The Friendly City, Wheeling Central is proud of its 420-member student body and their outstanding academic, athletic, and community service achievements. One of seven Catholic High Schools in West Virginia, Wheeling Central is where championship lives begin.