By Shannon Wright 

It’s that time of year once again in Webster Parish as the annual Minden St. Jude Auction quickly approaches. The parish-wide fundraising event will kick off on February 5, with each school hosting its own activities and ultimately presenting a donation during the auction in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

At Doyline High School, one of the school’s signature St. Jude fundraisers in recent years has been the Sweetheart Pageant, organized by Susan Wilson and Kenzie Ellington. However, the pageant will not be held this year due to a lack of participation.

“Unfortunately, we didn’t have enough participants to hold our annual beauty pageant fundraiser this year, but we will pour our efforts into everything else we have lined up to help us raise money for St. Jude and hopefully we will continue the pageant next year,” Ellington said.

Susan Wilson, who is overseeing Doyline High School’s St. Jude fundraising efforts this year, echoed that sentiment.

“We had to cancel our pageant this year due to lack of participation, but we are still looking forward to making our St. Jude events fun and memorable for our students,” Wilson said.

Despite the pageant cancellation, Doyline High School has a full schedule of fundraising activities planned. Students will participate in pizza sales, jean days, and special dress days allowing hoodies and Crocs, with proceeds benefiting St. Jude. The school will also host its popular St. Jude assemblies, which include games, teacher participation, and food sales.

“I love the energy in the room during our St. Jude assembly,” Wilson said. “The smiles, laughter, and excitement from our kids make all the hard work worth it.”

Additional fundraising ideas are currently being discussed, with more details expected as plans are finalized.

Though Doyline High School is small, it consistently raises a notable contribution for the annual Minden St. Jude Auction. The cause holds personal meaning for many students, as some have had classmates who received care through St. Jude, further reinforcing the importance of their fundraising efforts.

As February approaches, Doyline High School students and staff are gearing up to make a meaningful and significant impact.