PUPILS HELP FAMILY — Buckeye North Elementary first-graders, including Brayden Cameron, left, and Blake Carpenter, celebrated Spirit Week to honor Ana Zarkovic, a Harrison Central student who died in August following a UTV accident. Pupils dressed for themed days, donating the money to support Zarkovic’s family. -- Contributed

BRILLIANT — Students and staff at Buckeye North Elementary School pulled together to benefit the Zarkovic family in Harrison County, whose daughter, Ana Zarkovic, died following a UTV accident in August.

During the week of Sept. 2-5, Buckeye North PTO collected monetary donations during the school’s Spirit Week fundraiser as a way to honor the Harrison Central student and cheerleader who died after her accident in Freeport. Students paid $1 each day to participate in a themed dress-up day. All of the proceeds raised were donated to Zarkovic’s family to defray related expenses. Themes included “Blue and Gray, Cheer Her Way Day,” with the children dressing in the signature hues in her honor.

Other themes included “Shine Bright for Kindness,” with students wearing yellow or neon to spread sunshine as a further tribute. “Dream Big, Cheer Big” was celebrated, with students wearing pajamas and dreaming big for the future. On the final day of Spirit Week, the theme “Cheer on Your Favorite Team” was celebrated. Participants wore their favorite local, college or professional sports team’s attire.

Principal Susan Nolan explained the event was a way to bring people together to support Ana’s family in the wake of their loss.

“We had a fundraiser for Bradyn White at Indian Creek High School, and wanted to support Ana’s family,” Nolan stated, noting White was an Adena youth who died in April. “It’s kids supporting kids.”

Additional monetary donations are still being welcomed and can be made through Venmo at Ana Strong. Checks can be made payable to Buckeye North PTO, with Ana Strong in the memo line. All of the funds raised will be given to Zarkovic’s family.

For information, contact the school at (740) 598-4589.