Students raise money for classmate

At last week’s home basketball game against Jefferson, the Three Forks High School sophomore class banded together to help raise money for the medical expenses of classmate Kyle O’Rourke.

The money raised at the “Chip for Kyle” Bake Sale will go directly to O’Rourke, who was hit by a truck while riding his bike in January and suffered a severe hip injury, as well as numerous other severe injuries.  

Family Consumer Science Teacher Cathe Felz said the sale was organized by the sophomores and their advisor Heidi Donnelly, and her classes made cookies and their famous Karamel Korn.

“Our students have generous hearts and have stepped up several times this year to help our people in our community. This is an opportunity for our students to do something for a member of our school family, and I think it speaks well of our students that they have taken on this project for Kyle,” Felz said.

Three Forks High School Principal Greg Heys also lauded the efforts of local students.

“It simply shows what great students, staff, and teachers we have in the Three Forks School District, Kyle included. Almost immediately upon hearing the news, adults and students at all grade levels were brainstorming and providing avenues for the whole school and community to pitch in and try and let Kyle know we care about him and offer any support we could provide,” said Heys. “My pride is immeasurable. All we care about is trying to get Kyle in the best mindset to work towards a speedy full recovery and ultimately back to school.”

Residents can also help out Kyle through a GoFundMe set up at https://gofund.me/58fa2787. To date, they have raised $4,750 of a $20,000 goal. A fund under his name is also set up for donations at First Security Bank in Three Forks.