Hornets are always willing to lend a helping hand. After learning of the devastating earthquake that destroyed the country of Haiti, Lincoln students decided to do their part with the “Hope for Haiti” Fundraiser. Lincoln High School staff and students raised over $900 that was sent to the American Red Cross, whose relief efforts have greatly helped the people of Haiti.

 During the afternoon January 12, 2010, Port-au-Prince was struck by a magnitude 7 earthquake. Eight days following the devastating natural disaster, an after shock added more insult to injury with a magnitude of 6.1. “When I got home and seen the devastating news on the television, I was scared for my family in Haiti,” said senior Rose Victor, a Haitian student at Lincoln High School. “It’s heartbreaking to see tragic devastation on such a place that people are already struggling to survive,” commented Victor.

The earthquake damaged houses, buildings, and Haiti’s Palace in Port-au-Prince. The number of deaths is estimated at 200,000 according to Haitian government officials. Haitian workers were digging graves to burry 10,000 people a day.

“It is depressing to see the number of deaths as a result of this earthquake, but I am happy that my family is now safe,” said Nephtalie Sagesse a senior here at Lincoln High School. 

Before the earthquake, 80 percent of Haiti’s population was living under the poverty line. “My sister was visiting Haiti for the first time since she had been born, and now she is traumatized,” said Victor.

This isn’t the only natural disaster Haiti has encountered. In August and September of 2008, Haiti has had four separate hurricanes or tropical storms killing 793 and leaving more than 300 missing. “The number of fatalities is so shocking and sad, but I am happy the U.S helped play such a huge part in relief for Haiti,” said Briaja Lloyd a senior here at Lincoln High School.