Shepard, Argo volleyball programs collaborate for Make-A-Wish

None of the student-athletes from Shepard and Argo high schools knew one another.  Yet when the boys volleyball teams gathered for a photo prior to their match, the young men smiled with the ease that comes from common cause.

In the weeks leading up to their match t his week, both programs had worked to raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  The Astros and Argonauts united behind the Argo student manager, who battles muscular dystrophy.

Originally, the teams planned to raise money specifically for the student manager.  Instead, because the organization had granted his dream request, he asked the teams to donate the funds to Make-A-Wish.

“The Shepard guys were excited to help the manager from Argo. They knew it was important to him and loved giving back,” said Shepard head coach Joan Alderden. 

Make-A-Wish had approved the application of another person familiar to several of the Shepard players.

“So then it became personal for them.  The Shepard team and community were able to give Argo a check for $500.  We raised money by selling T-shirts and cupcakes,” Alderden said. 

The senior from Argo has served as manager for both the boys and girls teams.

“For our guys, raising money for Make-A-Wish was so important,” said Argo head coach Becky Naughton.  “They were excited to help be a part of something that means so much to him.”

Both coaches expressed pride in their students’ redefining the word ‘teamwork.’

“Jehad was so thrilled to hear that Shepard was going to participate in this cause. He was a little nervous to talk (prior to the match) and so shocked and honored to get a check for such a huge amount of money. He was thrilled thinking of all the kids this (donation) will help,” Naughton said.

It’s not the first time the Argo and Shepard volleyball programs have collaborated.  Last year, the teams raised $1,000 for One Step at a Time, a summer camp for children in treatment for cancer.

“Doing things like this is what the game, especially at high school, is all about --teams coming together to do good for a wonderful cause on both sides if the net. We are so pleased to be able to participate in this with the great guys of Shepard
and their amazing coaches for two years,” Naughton said.