The Norman Transcript
March 27, 2008 11:05 am
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Norman North High School students have decided to use a tradition to help two of their own.
SPUD week kicked off Monday. An activity is planned for each day except today, and teenagers will try to raise $50,000 for twin brothers Austin and Andrew Pounds, 15.
The freshmen were diagnosed at age 3 with Duchenne's MD, a form of muscular dystrophy.
According to its definition, Duchenne's MD is the most common form of the disease and primarily affects males. The disorder happens when dystrophin, a protein involved in maintaining muscle integrity, is absent.
SPUD committee chairpersons Lexie Thompson, 17, junior, and Tyler Stieg, 17, senior, agreed the decision to help the Pounds brothers was an easy one.
"They're our own blood here at Norman North," Stieg said.
He said the entire student body is involved in SPUD, or Students Performing Unselfish Deeds, week. As of Wednesday afternoon, students had raised a little more than $20,000.
"It's just awesome and fun," Stieg said.
Thompson said the student council could have chosen one of many organizations to help, but they wanted SPUD week to benefit someone who attends the school.
"The smiles on their faces always brighten up the rooms," Thompson said about the brothers.
She said SPUD T-shirts also are being sold this week for $10. There are three shirts, each with a different design. All three shirts can be purchased for $25.
As part of SPUD week, a battle of the bands contest was held Tuesday and students were encouraged to visit Skateland Wednesday. A Cinderfella male pageant and dance will be Friday's events. Next Thursday, a portion of proceeds from Panera Bread will go toward SPUD week.
NNHS teacher Candy McKinney said she was impressed with the role her executive hour students took to make SPUD week possible.
"I just can't describe how I feel about these students," McKinney said. "They are the most selfless students and have worked incredibly hard for these two boys."
McKinney said student council leaders also decorated the halls to let their classmates know about the events that were to come.
"They've done a fantastic job," she said. "It feels really, really good."
Their mother, Linda Pounds is a third grade teacher at Madison Elementary. She said she was overwhelmed when she learned her family would receive SPUD contributions.
"I was really kind of speechless that they would choose us and real excited at the same time," Pounds said. "I'm usually not speechless."
She said her sons' condition has continued to deteriorate. The boys need more care, but it hasn't changed either of their attitudes.
"They have very positive attitudes, they're always willing to try," Pounds said.
She said Austin and Andrew have enjoyed their time in the spotlight this week.
"They told me that it's enabled them to meet more people and they have more friends than they did before," Pounds said.
The family attended the battle of the bands competition Tuesday night and will be at Friday's festivities.
The mother said her sons will turn 16 April 3 and their father has planned a family celebration.
To purchase a Norman North SPUD shirt or make a donation, call 366-5954 ext. 250.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
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