At Highlands High School, it’s tradition for the graduating class to donate to a charity of their choosing.

But in the midst of the covid-19 pandemic, this year’s graduating class wanted to something extra special.

A group of high school seniors visited Allegheny Valley Hospital on Wednesday to show their gratitude with a gift of $2,354.50.

Georgia Peters, the senior class treasurer, said they wanted to donate to the hospital this year because of the covid-19 pandemic.

“I thought donating here would be good because of the covid-19 pandemic. Everyone’s very appreciative of health care workers,” she said.

Senior class Vice President Rachel Blackburn said, “It’s really important for us to give back to the people who have done the most during the pandemic.”

Allegheny Valley Hospital President and CEO Dr. Vicenta Gaspar-Yoo met the students at the hospital entrance for a brief ceremony.

“It’s such a good example of what youth can do in their own way,” she said. “It shows local folks care.”

Class President Chris Ratcliff and Secretary Kara Layhew presented the check along with Peters and Blackburn.

Sherry Armstrong is a class sponsor for the Highlands High School class of 2020. She said she was proud of the students for taking initiative to support health care workers.

“They thought of this all on their own,” Armstrong said.

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