For several weeks in May, Rivers seniors embark on self-directed independent study projects that can involve anything from volunteering at a soup kitchen to, say, earning a rocketry certification. Over the next few weeks, we will be periodically checking in with a handful of students to learn more about their experiences. Today, we hear from Liza Warshaver, who is training to run the Vermont city marathon and raise money for the Heated Lions, a basketball team for special-needs students.

Today is the final day of the senior projects and the wrap up to my fundraising and presentation preparation. The findraising has been tallied up to over $4,000, just below my goal of raising a total of $5,000 (however, more donations may flow in in the next few days adding to our amount). It was awesome to see so many generous donations especially during such difficult economic times. 100 percent of the proceeds will be put towards The Special Olympics Heated Lions Organization and will be used to keep recreation thriving and growing and to fund for for extras like equipment and transportation. The growth and development of the organization will be hugely benefial for the athletes for the years to come. With all of the supporters's help the athletes's dream to play the sports they love to play can be reality!

I will be sending out the Thank You notes to all of those generous donors thanking them for all their help and support! It will read as follows:

"Dear _________ ,

On behalf of the Special Olympics Heated Lions, we would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for your thoughtful and generous gift in the amount of $ _____ .

I am proud that my participation in the Burlington Vermont City Marathon raised over $4,000 for the Heated Lions Organization!

With your generosity we are able to accomplish our goal of continuing with the year-round Special Olympic competition, but more importantly, we are one step closer to one day housing the athletes as adults, training them for the workforce and fulfilling their dream to live independently.

Thank you again for all your help!

Warm Regards,

Liza Warshaver"

Tomorrow's presentation will contain information on runners's diet and nutrition, half marathon training, fundraising efforts, a photo album of my Burlington Vermont City Marathon day, and other displays. I look forward to sharing my accomplishments and efforts over the past several weeks with the school!

-Liza Warshaver