OPERATION EDUCATION SPOTLIGHT

Kaitlyn Selfridge recently graduated from York Community High School in Elmhurst. While at York, Selfridge was a member of the Interact Club, a group of students who are connected to Rotary and learn the power of giving and need for Service Above Self.

Selfridge learned about Honor Flight Chicago through her dad, who is an executive at Sayers, itself a proud supporter of HFC. Inspired by the work done at Honor Flight Chicago, Selfridge wanted to find a way to give back to the organization and the heroes it honors. She decided to use her own money and buy suckers to sell at her school’s football games.

At the end of the season, Selfridge raised $500, but she wanted to keep going. She wasn’t going to stop until she raised $1,200, the cost of sending one veteran for their Day of Honor. The Interact Club joined in and continued fundraising on behalf of Honor Flight Chicago. In May 2019, York High School presented a check for $1,200 to HFC.

“Veterans are some of the most brave and selfless people,” Selfridge said. “They put their lives on the line and in danger, and don’t think twice about it, just to ensure this country could remain free. I decided to help raise money because the sacrifices they made to help protect each and every one of us can not and should not be forgotten.”

Selfridge graduated this year and will attend Indiana University, where she plans to major in business, but the Interact Club has pledged to continue fundraising for HFC in 2019-2020.