Ellen Boyd's class of eight special education students at Seeliger Elementary School was treated to a party Tuesday for raising the most money to help a classmate, Ivan Rosas, who underwent heart surgery.
"A lot of the parents could imagine their child in that situation," Boyd said. "This Seeliger family has really opened their hearts to everybody, especially Ivan's family."
Ivan received heart surgery on Jan. 27. Students wanted to do something to ease the family's financial burden.
Isabel Medina, Ivan's mother, said she was overwhelmed by the kindness of her son's schoolmates.
"Me dio mucho alegra (It filled me with happiness)," Medina said. "Se que tiene mucho apoyo aqu (I know he has a lot of support here)."
Medina said that although she does not speak much English, she still feels united with the other parents and students. She said the classroom is like another family for her son.
The student council, made up of fifth-grade students, decided to host a penny drive to benefit Ivan's family.
"We heard about what was going on with Ivan and we wanted to help out," said Meagan Myer, 11. "We wanted to help so much so we did the penny drive. We put up signs and announced it over the intercom."
The school raised $1,500 through the penny drive, which will go to help defray the costs associated with the surgery.
"We were shocked," Myer said. "We were just happy because we knew there would be enough to help him."
The class that raised the most money was promised a special party. Rosas' own class won the party, raising $365.
Michelle Sawyer's son Austin is in the class.
"When your kids go here, you feel like you're a mom to everybody, so you just want to help them," Sawyer said. "These kids just melt my heart."
Sawyer collected pennies from friends, family, co-workers and businesses.
Medina said her son has recovered well from the surgery. Ivan was playing with the other children during the party and was anxious to have his face painted by Klang, the clown who was entertaining for the party.
Klang made balloon hats for each student and hosted various games.
"I do home care and I have a little boy who I take care of who's handicapped. So when I heard about this, I thought it was great," Klang said. "I gave them a good deal on it. It's fun. They're all having a blast."
Kendra Simms, 10-year old member of student council, said she was happy that Ivan's class earned the party.
"I think it's cool," she said. "It's nice to see the kids smiling and happy and having a lot of fun."
