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The school's Junior State of America (JSA) chapter held a weeklong fundraising drive to earn money to aid the people of Darfur, the western region of Sudan, Africa, where genocide and displacement have driven 2.5 million people from their homes. Refugees now face starvation, disease, and rape, while those who remain in Darfur risk displacement, torture, and murder.

JSA members sold tee shirts and Krispy Kreme doughnuts and held a student dance to raise $1,000 for the Save Darfur organization, but JSA president Michelle Kosin said public awareness was also a key component of the week. During a four-legged relay race, students were tested on Darfur issues promoted by JSA throughout the week.

"Our highest concern lies with the displaced persons," said Kosin. "People who are displaced within their country's borders should be protected by their own government. In Darfur, the government that should be protecting its people is displacing them. As citizens of the world, it is our responsibility to understand, or at least be aware of the largest humanitarian crisis in the world."

JSA organizers were pleased with the response they got from the student body and staff. Supporters purchased 29 dozen Krispy Kreme doughnuts and more than 120 tee shirts, and 1/3 of the student body attended the Friday afternoon dance.

"This week was a huge success. It feels so good to bring awareness of Darfur to so many people. But the important thing is, it's not about us, it's about the people of Darfur," Kosin said.

The Junior State of America is a nationwide, nonprofit, nonpartisan political organization for high school students. The Chesaning High School chapter started last fall.