Challenger Middle School Students Raise $2,732 for Shamrock Drive

Students, staff and inspiration Gladys Swensrud celebrate.

Student government members at Challenger Middle School in Mira Mesa raised $2,732 this year for the Muscular Dystrophy Association's Shamrock Drive, bringing the school's contributions to a total of more than $12,000 over the last six years.

Retired staff member and Mira Mesa resident Gladys Swensrud, who has muscular dystrophy, inspired students to participate in the drive.

"I stand in awe and am extremely grateful for the continued generosity and enthusiastic support Challenger’s student body and staff have demonstrated for MDA through their Shamrock contributions,” Swensrud said.

The school creates competition between classrooms for the coveted green and gold shamrocks, which are placed in class windows.

"Competition can become quite fierce between advisory classrooms as each class strives to have the best display of colorful shamrocks appearing in their classroom windows," said Principal Sheelagh Moran. "Students also learn about the organization and are inspired to help others in need."

Challenger was the first middle school in the county to participate in the Shamrock Drive.

About the school

Challenger Middle School is located in Mira Mesa, north of Miramar Marine Corps Air Station. Our school is named in honor of the Challenger space shuttle. The memory of the Challenger crew serves as a role model for our multiethnic student population. The Challenger name captures the energy and the inspiration associated with our school’s commitment to success. We motivate students to go beyond their limits, have high expectations and touch the future.