Every year, students within Leander’s International Baccalaureate program gather together to raise money for a specific and global charity. IB’s class of 2012 is selling cupcakes as part of this year’s fundraiser for the LifeStraw, and these treats are not only for a good cause, they’re also unbelievably delicious.

The LifeStraw is an ingenious device that filters the water sucked through it, removing %99.999 of waterborne bacteria and parasites. 

“One-seventh of the world’s population doesn’t have water, and that’s unacceptable,” said Ashley McGowan, IB senior and the primary organizer of the charity.

Distributing LifeStraws to those that lack access to clean water is a temporary fix to this problem. As a more permanent water source is established, those waiting can still have fresh water without having to walk miles to get it. One LifeStraw provides enough water to last one person for a year and is more environmentally friendly than traditional methods, which involve burning wood.

“It may not seem to make a big difference, but to those benefiting it means the world,” said McGowan.

Every Friday throughout the lunch period, IB students are manning their cupcake booth. The menu includes the typical cupcakes, made of cake, frosting, and a colorful wrapper. These are sold for $1. However, for $3 students can purchase “gourmet” cupcakes.

The gourmet items come in a variety of flavors, including Cookies n’ Cream, Fudgy Mint, and even Dr. Pepper. Each of these cupcakes has a sweet surprise in the center, is masterfully decorated, and comes wrapped with a brightly colored straw to represent a donation to the cause.

For every three cupcakes purchased, one LifeStraw is bought, and with the help of dedicated bakers as well as hungry students, the charity has already earned approximately $1,200. Way to eat, Leander!

The sales will continue into February and make an appearance at the upcoming Dodgeball Tournament on Feb. 16^th.

   Coaches took the opportunity to recognize dedicated players. Matt Union received the Special Teams Award; Hayden Newsom received the Linebacker Award; Defensive Line Award went to Terrence Johnson.

  Daryl Brooks took the Defensive Back Award and Offensive Line Award went to Jacob Dunning. Receiver Award went to Nico Brown and Peyton Tilley.

   Clint Harper, coach, announced that 44 members of the team made the all-district academic team and one made academic second team all-state.

   The evening concluded with the always popular video recapping the season and paying tribute to the seniors.

Orders will open on November 1, 2011.

Information on how to order is now available on the LHS Yearbook website.