SPOKANE, Wash. — About 40 high schoolers in a criminal justice class at Spokane’s NEWTech Prep have been learning some hands-on skills to prepare them for future careers – and tomorrow, they’re holding a fundraiser to give the program a boost.
The students will be selling donuts in the NorthTown Mall parking lot Saturday to raise money for new equipment and scholarships. Emilie Kellar, a junior who helped organize the fundraiser, said she’s learned a lot from the program and is hopeful for a good turnout at the event.
“I feel great that I can try and help raise money for our class,” Kellar said. “Really feels like once we get what we’re trying to get, that we really earned it.”
Kellar and her brother, Dylan Kellar, are the two students spearheading the fundraiser. Emilie Kellar is an aspiring forensic psychologist, and Dylan Kellar, a senior, wants to be a U.S. marshal or SWAT officer.
Both said their school’s criminal justice class will help them get there.
“I feel like this is a very unique school entirely, especially this class,” Dylan Kellar said. “I can’t think of anywhere where you would get this type of education and hands-on things.”
Marcy Smith works as a criminal court coordinator for Spokane County, and she serves as chair of the class’s advisory board. She also helps out with Criminal Justice Students in Action, a nonprofit organization that helps raise money for the program. She said students leave the class with a well-rounded skillset.
“I feel very proud of these students,” Smith said. “At the end of the year, we do a pinning ceremony and a graduation ceremony at the end of the year. And I’m very proud of these students that come out of this program.”
The students will sell the donuts from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. They said they hope to sell out.
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