A fundraiser is underway at a local middle school to support ALS research.

The Highlander Way Middle School student council and the school's student-run news network staff have teamed up to launch a new fundraising effort, Project: Find a Cure for ALS. The goal is to raise $2,000 by the end of the school year to support Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) research being completed by the ALS Association’s Treat ALS research group.

T.H.N. or The Hawk News is a daily newscast produced entirely by the students in Teacher Carole Colburn’s Media Productions class. The students cover stories relating to Highlander Way and general news relevant to middle school students. They also serve as anchors, camera operators, audio and computer graphic technicians and technical directors. Each newscast is shown throughout Highlander Way Middle School and can be viewed on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/ColburnsCorner. While there are many worthy causes to support, Colburn says students decided on ALS because some have lost loved ones to the horrific disease. Additionally, former Highlander Way Teacher Beth Lyons lost her life to ALS. The Hawk News team is seeking individuals to sponsor a broadcast and all donations will go directly to the ALS Association. Sponsors will have their name read during the newscast and also have their name displayed on the wall of donors.

Donations can be sent to The HAWK NEWS c/o Highlander Way Middle School, 511 N. Highlander Way, Howell, MI 48843. Checks payable to HWMS-HAWK News-ALS. (JM)