EJHS Spirit Week combines school pride with transplant awareness

Students at East Juniata High School (EJHS) recently dedicated a Spirit Week to Transplant Awareness, blending school pride with meaningful service. Each day included themed dress-up activities designed to spark excitement and participation, while also encouraging students to learn about the importance of organ donation and rally behind a cause close to their community. The week built momentum leading up to the County Clash soccer games between East Juniata and Juniata.

As part of the effort, the Student Council hosted a Hat Day, giving students the opportunity to wear hats during school in exchange for a small donation. Faculty and staff added to the total with additional contributions. Together, these efforts raised funds for Mrs. Ann Shambaugh, a retired East Juniata and Monroe Elementary School teacher who recently underwent a kidney transplant after years of health struggles.

The week concluded at the soccer games, where school spirit was at its highest. That evening, every dollar from the concession stand, raffle prize tent, 50/50 drawing and other donations went directly to Mrs. Shambaugh.

Mrs. Shambaugh’s journey highlights both the difficulties of living with kidney failure and the hope that comes from community support. In a personal reflection, she shared: “Unfortunately, retirement hasn’t been easy. While I do miss the children, the reason is because I’m also very sick and in urgent need of a kidney transplant.” Despite those challenges, she remained hopeful: “Living with kidney failure has been the challenge of my life, but I’m doing the best I can to take care of my physical and mental health. The gift of life from a living kidney donor would not only save my life, but it would allow me to really live—to enjoy time with loved ones, be independent, and just feel normal.”

While Mrs. Shambaugh has since received a kidney transplant, the support shown through East Juniata’s Spirit Week and the County Clash games offered a powerful reminder of how schools can bring awareness, compassion, and tangible help to their communities.