Contributed COMING TOGETHER – Bridgeport High School student council member Cole Weekley and advisor Kimberly Harris look over one of the giant cards students are signing for two high schoolers who suffered serious injuries in a car accident. The district and community are launching fundraisers to support the pair and their families.

BRIDGEPORT – The Bulldogs are pulling together to help after hearing the news that two Bridgeport High School students suffered serious injuries in a crash on U.S. Route 40 April 29. Members of the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District family are planning and launching activities under the umbrella of “Bulldog Strong.”

Kimberly Harris, who teaches Algebra I and serves as advisor to the student council, said the two students have a whole district and community’s hopes, prayers and activities to assist them and their families.

“The response among the student council members and the student body in general is just: How they could help? How they could show support?”

Harris recalled the shock that spread through the school Thursday, April 30, when news of the accident was out and students processed the situation. The entire school came together in the gymnasium Friday, May 1, for a group photo to send encouragement.

Meanwhile, they were considering how to provide aid to the students now being treated at WVU Medicine.

“Obviously things are going to take money. Traveling down there. Food and support for the families as they’re down there,” Harris said.

Senior Ava Roberts-Stidd and junior Cole Weekley, both members of the student council, said the council is working with other groups and clubs.

Ava described the initial reaction.

“You could feel the atmosphere just so down, but everyone just came together. We have so many resources and we’re so grateful that everyone had those resources,” she said. “We’re all in grief, but we’re all there for each other. That’s what I really like about Bridgeport. When something happens like this, we all come together as a community and don’t let anyone go through anything alone.”

Cole agreed.

“There was definitely a shock,” he said. Cole described the abrupt change when one student he had been working with was suddenly not around. “It was weird. Just that morning we were working a government sign together, and in chemistry and you see him in the halls and the next day you really realize how much of a difference that makes, not seeing them in the hallway. Not seeing them in class. It’s just weird coming to school and they’re not there.”

He added the community wasted no time.

“As soon as I found out the event happened, I was almost immediately texting with our student council president, trying to figure out what can we do? Are we able to fundraise? Are we able to send something to them? What can we do immediately?”

Shortly after news broke, the student council met and kicked off a shirt sale fundraiser ending May 8 so that all the shirts can be printed and delivered before the end of the school year. For every item sold, the families will receive $5. In addition, Total Sports Connection will donate an extra 10% of the total donated amount at the end of the sale.

Pick-up day and times will be announced on the district app. The link is https://bulldogstrong.itemorder.com/shop/home/.

Harris added that two area baseball teams have purchased shirts for their entire teams to wear to games.

“John Marshall (High School’s) entire baseball team purchased shirts to wear. I got the same email from Union Local’s baseball team, they’re purchasing shirts for them to wear,” she said. “So there will be two baseball teams that will be having them on before our sale even ends.”

They have also started selling pins to raise funds. Harris said the pins are being sold for $1 each, with all proceeds going to the families. The pins are available primarily from Intervention specialist Amanda Ponsetti in room 607.

Harris said the students are also planning to sell personalized wristbands with “Bulldog Strong” printed on them.

“Those will be coming in the next few days, just as a way for people to show their support, especially while the shirts are coming in, and so it’s long term and something that can be seen every day,” Harris said. “They’re being thought about.”

Students and staff have also been wearing blue daily. Get-well notes cover the two students’ lockers and fliers are posted. The high school, middle and elementary school students are also signing giant-sized cards for the pair and individual students are sending cards of their own.

Harris also pointed out some of the many independent initiatives.

“Student council’s been heading it up and giving the kids a place to funnel their ideas, but these students are coming up with ideas left and right to show support across our community and across our district.”

Organizations like the Interact Club are also stepping up to help and individuals are doing their part. The National Honor Society is donating a gift card basket to a raffle. A band performing at the Fine Arts Festival May 2 raised money and one student donated all the proceeds from art she sold to benefit the families.

A pancake breakfast fundraiser is set for 8-11 a.m. Saturday, May 9, at the district cafetorium.

Information about additional fundraisers will also be available through the app or by contacting the district office. In addition, the student council has an Instagram account at studentcouncil_bhs.