Nearly two weeks after a fire raged through the Elizabeth Forward High School auditorium, donations to the district keep growing.
One GoFundMe has raised over $36,000 to benefit the district. Another drew more than $2,000 in support. A third raised $30.
That money is in addition to equipment and dollars donated to the Warriors by about 50 school districts throughout the area since the fire broke out in the early morning hours of Feb. 12.
“The students have lost their set, their microphones and lights, their costumes, and so much more,” the description of one GoFundMe page, started by Elizabeth resident Nadine Condie, reads. “One thing we don’t want to see them ‘lose’ is their hope.
“To the students, we are so proud of every one of you for all of the hard work you have put in so far and plan to build back.”
As a result of the fire, the high school’s production of “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” will be hosted in the Thomas Jefferson High School auditorium.
Still, much is to be done. Officials have determined that damage was worse than originally thought.
In a letter sent to families on Thursday, Superintendent Keith Konyk said structural engineers assessed the auditorium and mechanical room and said further demolition is necessary.
Virtual learning for high school students will continue until further notice, Konyk said.
“I appreciate your patience, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available,” part of the superintendent’s letter reads.
The fire statewide attention. On Feb. 16, state Sen. Jim Brewster, state Rep. Andrew Kuzma, and Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Education Jeffrey Fuller toured the high school and gave their commitment to seek state support for the district, according to the district’s website.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s office has also been briefed on the situation.
The cause of the fire is still unclear, the district said. There were no injuries reported.
