When Perry holds a fundraiser to help a fellow Puma, the school comes together as a family to support them. This year Perry has held a large fundraiser for a science teacher’s, Jerald Irion’s, wife, who was involved in an accident on Apr. 20. In response to the incident, Perry came together and resolved to raise $10,000 to help pay for the medical bill.

In order to actually initiate the fundraising process, the proposal has to be approved by the district.

“We first have to pass it through Mr. Ames, and when he is unsure, we pass it to Mr. Serrano, and when he is unsure, we pass it to our superintendent,” Lerina Johnson, the Student Council teacher, said.

Not all fundraisers are approved because it depends on what the subject matter is. For instance, it cannot be on the same day as other fundraisers nor at the same place, otherwise it will difficult to keep the money in the right fundraiser.

“Because of the way insurance works, they will have to pay five grand out of their pocket. Her costs are going to be astronomical,” Dan Serrano, the principal, remarked in regards to how to pay for health bills. “Who has $10,000 to do that? [Perry] just wants to raise a lot of the money.”

This is one of the few large fundraisers that Perry has initiated. Gilbert High School is also assisting. Irion’s daughter is a student currently enrolled there and his wife, Shari Irion, who is the family member in critical condition, works as a Special Ed. Physical Education teacher.

The Irion family was thankful for all the students of Perry and Gilbert for donating money to help Shari Irion. According to Irion, his wife is getting better everyday and he knows that it is the support from her family and schools that is contributing to her health.

“Please know how appreciative we are, and that you have lifted our spirits when we have needed it the most” Irion said in an email he sent out. “ Please extend my thanks to all the Perry students, families, boosters and community; you are truly amazing.”