In the first three weeks of December, students at Jordan School District high schools collected a combined total of $1,096,873 for charity. That number is almost double last year’s $645,935 total.

West Jordan High School’s 2025 charity drive, MAD Jags, collected $184,573, six times more than the $30,849 they collected last year, breaking their record for the most money ever raised.

SBO Service Officer Camryn Ridley credits the dedication of WJHS student body officers and students who gave up most afternoons and evenings in December for MAD Jags events.

“Helping others is something that comes natural to our students, and through the student's efforts this MAD Jag (making a difference) season, we will be able to continue to help others throughout the year,” Ridley said.

There were several successful fundraising events but donations from local business owners contributed the most to the final record-breaking total. For the first time, students developed an investor pitch to request donations from local businesses.

“The opportunity for our Student Government Officers to reflect on their classmates and use that knowledge to brainstorm a list of needs and develop a pitch deck was a critical deep dive into serving our community,” WJHS Assistant Principal Kami Taylor said. “The outcome blew us all away. We raised more funds than ever before and the students were able to see how they directly impacted their community.”

Taylor said besides the financial aspect, the successful outcomes of the charity season included students thinking about others and discovering how they can positively impact others and getting to know people outside their usual social groups.

“[Student Government Officers] and their families were full of emotions: pride for their hard work, joy for the people served and increased self esteem from the success of hard work,” Taylor said.

The fundraising total was announced at a school assembly just before the winter break.

“The students and staff who helped raise that money were beyond excited,” Ridley said. “Tears were shed, smiles were on everyone's faces and overall it was just a really cool experience to be a part of.”

Some of the money raised went to Indy's Ohana. One of the families who will receive a family trip to Hawaii because of the funds raised attended the assembly.

“It was very heartwarming to see their happiness, knowing that they are going through such a difficult time in their lives, and knowing that we had played a part in helping bring that joy into their lives,” Ridley said.

The money also went to help more than 50 families in need within the West Jordan community.

Copper Hills High School’s PAWS for a Cause charity fundraiser collected $227,796.26 this year. By comparison, last year’s total was $71,515.25. That money will be used to help community members in need.

Posted on the school website was a note of appreciation.

“We would like to thank the community for their incredible generosity in supporting our Copper Hills charity drive PAWS for a Cause. It was a record breaking year with $227,796.26 being raised to help those in our community.”

Copper Hills High School student government officers proudly reveal the total for their 2025 charity fundraiser. (Photo courtesy Jordan School District)