Many Royals know about the South Carolina car crash in August 2021, killing Elleana and Isabella Gaddis and HSE alumnus Brianna Foster. This spring, the service-based club Project Hope planted a tree and created a plaque to memorialize these three girls. While the group does not have any personal ties to the three girls who were killed, the club came together to help inspire unity between the student body in honoring their lives and their memories.  

“We hope to give students an area to sit and reflect,” Vice President of Project Hope, junior Ella Penny said. “[We want a space to] simply honor and acknowledge our Royal Family.” 

The tree was planted on April 13 by the CCA parking lot, by the tennis courts. The club will also be hosting a tree memorial ceremony in upcoming weeks to honor the girls’ lives. By planting the tree, they hope to inspire unity as a Royal Family to reflect and remember those we have lost.  

“We want our students and staff to have a comfortable and meaningful place to [reflect],” Penny said. “It is important to celebrate the lives of those we have lost and honor their memories.” 

Outside of their actions to memorialize the late Royals, the club primarily participates in meal packing events to assist families who need food support and fundraisers to support the Children’s Bureau. Their main club goal is to help the community of Fishers become a better place by supporting the people living in it. The club has just one more meal packing event planned for this year, but they have many ideas ready for the 2022-2023 school year. According to Penny, the club hopes to organize more food and toiletry drives and fundraisers to help families in need, as well as plan fun events like karaoke or game nights where people in the community can come together and create fun memories. 

“Project Hope’s mission is to help others prosper every day,” President senior Hannah Justice said. “By packing meals for hungry families and donating toiletries to children in need, we are fulfilling our mission by creating a positive impact on our community.” 

Project Hope will continue into the 2022-2023 school year with co-presidents Sarah and Ella Penny. To get involved in helping the community service-based club grow, feel free to contact current president Hannah Justice, email the club sponsor Patty Kulesavage, or text @f84f93 to 81010.  

Photo contributed by Hannah Justice.