It’s 7 a.m. and you are walking through the front doors of Milford High School when your nose is filled with the smell of syrup. You’re curious, so follow the aroma and arrive at the cafeteria where you find students eating as they are served delicious pancakes.This is Milford’s pancake breakfast part of Milford High School’s fifth Annual Charity Week! This year, Milford chose to support the John Drypen Foundation. Milford’s Leadership class is prepping for this exciting week taking place from May 13-20.

Charity Week has been one of Milford’s most cherished and successful events. Not only does this event involve lots of fun, but it also raises money for charity. In four years, Milford High School has raised more than $70,000 for four charities: the Student Heart Check Foundation, Special Days Camp, the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and Special Olympics. This week has brought awareness and support to all these different charities.

The John Drypen Foundation was created and now strives to help other families that have experienced life-threatening circumstances. This charity was chosen through the inspiration of a couple Milford High School students who have gone through life-altering health issues. “We wanted to include something that helps people with those kinds of illnesses and trauma…this is the perfect and ideal charity that reflects on what we try to do with Milford’s Charity Week,” says David Gilbert, the Leadership teacher. The John Drypen Foundation is a memorial organization for John Drypen. He attended Walled Lake Central High School and passed away at age 22 after a long battle with a genetic disorder. “Our mission is to provide support, education and inspiration to families that have faced a life-altering heath event.” states the John Drypen Foundation. 

Milford’s Charity Week is incredibly unique because it engages the whole school and the Milford community to get together for a great cause.

Starting this action-packed week will be a kick off assembly on Friday followed by a movie on the field in the evening. Monday will involve the traditional pancake breakfast and powerpuff later that day at 7 p.m. On Tuesday during 2nd hour is the “Spill your Guts” game and during 6th hour is the “Smarter than a 5th grader” game. In the middle of the week, Wednesday, Mav Ball is back and will take place during 4th and 5th hour. Junior Jack Stander is ready for Mav Ball. “We’re going to bring a high level of intensity and come in with impressive preparation…we are prepared to dominate!” Thursday involves “Jail and Bail” where students can pay to skip class and Mr. Milford in the evening at 7 p.m. Closing out this exciting week is the final assembly. “I’m excited to have one last fun event with all my Senior friends and make good memories,” says Junior Jack Beyer.

Milford’s Charity Week will be a fun and exciting event that has many different activities along with the opportunity to support the John Drypen Foundation. This year’s goal is to raise $20,000 for the charity. Students are encouraged to get involved during this week and enjoy their last semester of this year.