83SAFE

We’re excited to announce the La Follette Class of ‘83 Student Assistance Fund for Expenses (83SAFE)! With the modest profits generated from our 40th class reunion we have started a fund to assist current La Follette High School (LHS) students who may be experiencing financial hardship.

WHAT IS 83SAFE?

83SAFE is a fund that started as a gift from the 1983 graduating class of LHS. With funds generated from proceeds of our 40th class reunion (September, 2023), we created 83SAFE to assist current LHS students with meeting expenses – both routine and emergency in nature.

WHY DID WE CREATE 83SAFE?

Whether or not we appreciated it at the time, many of us now realize how fortunate we were to have lived our younger years WHEN and WHERE we did. Now, as adults, many with grown children and even grandchildren, we can look back at this stable, well-grounded middle-class upbringing and appreciate it for the blessing it was. For many of us, the good fortune of being raised in safe, supportive neighborhoods and schools provided an opportune on-ramp to early adulthood and continued life-long success.

Forgive us for stating the obvious - but it ain’t the ‘70s/’80s anymore. Our childhood homes/neighborhoods and schools have turned over multiple times. Change is constant – not good or bad – but constant.

Although our old neighborhoods may look different and our schools have certainly evolved to meet changing times and demographics, many of us continue to have an affinity to our LHS elementary school attendance area roots. Whether you are from the Kennedy, Elvehjem, Schenk, Frank Allis, Franklin, Glendale (now Henderson) or another neighborhood, we need your help to ensure that current LHS students can have as positive a high school experience as possible. The reality is that the needs of LHS students are much more pervasive and commonplace today.

WHY ARE WE CHOOSING TO BE INVOLVED?

The 40th Class of 1983 High School Reunion netted a modest profit. Rather than dumping these dollars completely into future reunion and event planning we felt this money could have a more immediate and significant impact if donated directly to students in need at LHS.

RECENT USE OF HOW 83SAFE HAS ALREADY BEEN APPLIED

In 2023 two families with multiple LHS students lost their residence in a fire. We were able to provide some financial support to each family through a very difficult time.

HOW WILL 83SAFE BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE FUTURE?

LHS staff (counselors, teachers, etc.) will identify appropriate student’s needs and make recommendations on distributing 83SAFE funds.

WHAT TYPES OF EXPENSES IS 83SAFE INTENDED FOR?

The LHS staff will determine the best use of this fund. In addition to assisting with student/family emergencies, school counselors are aware of students who could use some assistance paying for:

• School trips/field trips

• School supplies

• Extracurricular activity costs

• Other expenses vital to a positive high school experience

THE NEED

More students than ever are attending LHS from lower income families. The class of 1983 would like to help all students have a positive high school experience regardless of family income.

THE ASK

As a tribute to where you grew up, the wonderful teachers and staff who impacted you, the friends and family you’ve had, and the path you’ve taken as result, please consider making a donation to 83SAFE through the 2024 Summer Fundraiser. You can give online at lafollette83.org (through PayPal link) or in person at any of our advertised Class of '83 gatherings (like the one meeting at 11:30 AM, Sunday, July 28, 2024 near the Clyde Stubblefield Stage at Atwood Fest for Steely Dane, and immediately afterwards at Mickey’s Tavern). Be part of the Class of 1983’s legacy to assist students by contributing to 83SAFE.

Thank you,
LHS Class of ’83 Planners