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Colby High School Students Step Up to Support Survivors of Domestic Violence
Students at Colby High School are proving that making a difference in your community doesn't have to wait until adulthood. Members of the school's Students for Service club are organizing a fundraiser to support Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, helping raise money and awareness for survivors across northwest Kansas.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the students are using the opportunity to give back while encouraging others to do the same.
During a recent visit with Kristina at NWKS Radio, students Myka Nolan, Ellie McCarty, and Maddie McCarty shared details about their upcoming fundraiser and explained why community service is important to them.
Students Making a Difference
Students for Service is a Colby High School organization that gives students in grades nine through twelve opportunities to get involved in their community.
The club works with local organizations, listens to community needs, and finds ways students can make a positive impact.
One student explained that the club is about bringing people together and finding opportunities to help wherever help is needed.
Another shared why getting involved at a young age matters.
"I think it's important so that we all can learn the value of giving back to our community," she said.
With guidance from Mrs. Gardner at Colby High School, the students are putting those values into action with their October fundraising effort.
Supporting Options and Survivors Across Northwest Kansas
The students have chosen to support Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services, an organization that provides critical assistance to individuals and families experiencing domestic and sexual violence.
Options offers 24/7 support for survivors, emergency shelter, advocacy, safety planning, and resources to help individuals navigate difficult and sometimes dangerous situations.
During the interview, students emphasized that Options provides more than just emergency assistance. The organization also works to create a welcoming, supportive environment where survivors can feel safe.
The students hope their fundraising efforts will not only provide financial assistance but also bring greater awareness to an issue that often goes undiscussed.
"I think, especially coming from the high school, it's kind of a reminder that giving is very important," one student explained.
She added that students have an opportunity to make a difference by contributing what they can with the resources they have.
The group also hopes their involvement will encourage more conversations about domestic and sexual violence and help community members better understand the services available through Options.
How the Community Can Help
Donation drive: October 12–25, 2026
Benefiting: Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services
Students for Service will be collecting monetary donations throughout the fundraising drive.
Community members can contribute in several ways:
At community events: Students will have donation tables set up at various events.
At Colby High School: Donation boxes will be available at the high school and in Mrs. Gardner's office.
At the grade school: An additional donation box will be available for contributions.
Online: Students plan to share an online donation option through the school's website and Facebook.
Those wishing to donate by check can make checks payable to Options.
A Lesson in Giving Back
While raising funds is the immediate goal, the students say the project is also about encouraging young people to become active, caring members of their community.
By supporting Options, the club hopes to shine a light on the challenges survivors face while showing that even small contributions can make a meaningful difference.
The students also want others to recognize that domestic and sexual violence can affect people of any age and that support services are available throughout northwest Kansas.
Their message is simple: everyone has something to give, and giving back helps make a stronger community.
NWKS Radio thanks Myka, Ellie, Maddie, and the rest of the students in the CHS Students for Service Club for their efforts to make a positive impact in Colby and beyond.
Community members are encouraged to support the Students for Service fundraiser October 12 through October 25 and help these young leaders make a difference for Options and the survivors it serves.
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