Miley

Coordinator of the Year for 2008-2009: Becky Barbusca

The students of Hammond Middle School know their math, thanks to teacher Becky Barbusca. Not only are they improving their math skills, the students are learning the concept of helping others through the St. Jude Math-A-Thon.  Barbusca was recently named “Math-A-Thon Coordinator of the Year” by the
ALSAC/St. Jude Boards of Directors and Governors for her work coordinating the school’s Math-A-Thon program.

Inspired in 1998 by a television special about St. Jude, Barbusca felt an instant connection between her school and the mission of St. Jude, as both institutions help children. So 10 years ago, Barbusca took over the existing Math-A-Thon program at Hammond. With Hammond students required to complete a community service project to graduate, she made the Math-A-Thon program a community service choice for 6th, 7th and 8th graders. This year, every 6th grader participated. Barbusca enhanced her program and the giving experience for the students by asking them to write a “reflection” on the importance of the Math-A-Thon program.

“I felt great about completing the Math-A-Thon,” wrote student Natalie in her reflection, “I knew I was helping kids my age. When I turned in the money, I felt like I was saving a life. Every penny raised can help to make a difference.”

With the help of Barbusca and Math-A-Thon, the students of Hammond Middle School not only helped St. Jude by raising more than $17,045 in the 2008-2009 school year, but also demonstrated dramatic gains in the subjects of math and reading.

The Math-A-Thon program helps the kids of St. Jude and teaches students across the nation the invaluable lesson of giving to others as it gives a sense of pride to the kids who complete it. For more information on how to become a coordinator at your school, find out how to sign up online or by calling 1-800-FUNBOOK.