Geography class project wins big, donates prize to classmate's medical fight

Some Owasso seventh graders came in first place in a National Geographic state competition. But their biggest win may be what they decided to do with their prize money. 

A Class Project Becomes Something Bigger

At first, it seemed like just another assignment in Mrs. Lewis’ Geography class.

Jack Richards, Nathan Griffin, Ashton Oelschlager, and Gavin Brown were grouped together to tackle the National Geographic Slingshot Challenge, a contest that asked students to create a one-minute video about a global issue. They chose air pollution.

Doubt and Surprise: The Unexpected Victory

None of the boys thought they had a shot at winning.

“I didn’t think any of us really believed that we could,” Richards said

“No, not at all,” Brown said.

“No, like zero chance,” Griffin said.

“Us watching our video in class, I was like it's so bad in comparison to everyone else’s, and then we won,” Oelschlager said.

But to their shock, the team’s video came in first place in the state.

“When she said the winners are Ashton, Nathan, Gavin and Jack, I was like, what? I didn’t think it was possible,” Griffin said.”

A $250 Prize and a Powerful Decision

Winning came with a $250 cash prize, $62.50 each.

But instead of spending it, the boys gave every dollar away.

Their donation went to Logyn, a boy battling a rare blood disorder.

“It doesn't sound like that much for him, but I am sure it will be able to help somehow,” Oelschlager said.

“We should do everything in our power to help him,” Brown said.

“It was a no-brainer for me because I knew him in fifth grade, he was a really great kid,” Griffin said.”

“I hope to still meet him sometime,” Richards said.

The students were able to give Logyn and his family the prize.

To learn more about how you can help Logyn and his family, click here.

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