The world watched as wave after wave pummeled the coast of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, India, and surrounding areas. The tsunami that occurred during the last few days of 2004 jarred all who watched the destruction unfold. Many organizations and individuals have donated thousands of dollars toward the relief effort.

As Auburn Adventist Academy (AAA) students watched the tsunami with the rest of the world, they were determined to be a part of the relief effort. With this decision made, it was not long before the AAA Associated Student Body (ASB) got to thinking of how to help out.

Brandon Gratias, ASB president, and Ashley Buderus, ASB vice-president, led the student body in organizing an effort to rebuild 10 homes on the island of Rameswaram. Each house will cost $700, putting the rebuilding costs at $7,000. Students and faculty have been working hard at making this effort a reality.

AAA’s junior class decided to put together a walk to raise money for the relief effort in January. Several classes have done individual class fund raisers and added their revenue to the larger pool. It may take a while to raise the money, but the students at AAA are committed to making it happen. At AAA, we are grateful for the blessings we receive, and we hope to be an instrument in sharing God’s blessings with the tsunami victims.