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Local High School Has Students Earn Their Way To Homecoming Royalty

By Syma Chowdhry

PHILADELPHIA (CBS)--Many high schools are prepping for their homecoming celebrations.

While some seniors hope to be crowned Homecoming King or Queen, students in one high school have to earn their sash by raising money for a national organization.

Lansdale Catholic High School students are calling their celebration: "Operation Coming Home."

Seniors in the Homecoming Court are raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project, an organization that helps injured veterans.

Jennifer Huber, Assistant Principal for Student Affairs, explained, "They are campaigning to become homecoming king or queen based on how much money they raise for the charity."

Ten candidates of the Homecoming Court have less than a week to bring in as much money as they can for the Wounded Warrior Project.

A King and Queen will be selected based on a 50 percent of the popular vote and 50 percent of total funds raised.

Staff Sgt. David Torri is a sophomore at the school and part of the Young Marines.

He's personally raised money for the Wounded Warrior Project, which inspired this year's theme.

"I do know many wounded warriors," Torri says, "I know the sacrifices they have made for us, it is only fair that we sacrifice a little bit of our time and money for them."

Students want to raise a few thousand dollars, from asking for lunch money, selling raffles and hosting a bake sale.

Melanie Suskie is a Homecoming Queen candidate who has raised $100 in less than two days. She is hoping to double that by the end of the week.

"It's nice to be doing something good for people who have done a lot for us already."

The competition is fierce, but students say the reward isn't the crown, it's doing something nice for those who serve our country.

John Piccini, Homecoming King candidate, says "It really brings the school community together and we all work together to raise money for a good cause."

Piccini's goal is raise $300 by Friday.

Homecoming Week comes to an end when they crown the queen at the homecoming football game and the king at the homecoming dance in school's gym.

Everyone involved said they are all winners for trying to help the community.

If you would like to donate to the Wounded Warrior Project, log onto: http://www.wwphighcap.org/

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