Timberview High School Hosts its Annual Week of Giving

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For twelve years, Mansfield Timberview High School has hosted HOG Week, an annual week of giving that garnishes school spirit while giving back to the community.

HOG week, which stands for Helping Others through Giving, is a seven-day series of events that Timberview student council plans in order to give to charity.

“We started HOG week in 2007 because we wanted to reach out to the community,” said THS student council sponsor, Heather Colburn. “We thought what better way to do that than to make it fun.”

During this week, the various events include pep rallies, food nights, powder puff football, a male beauty pageant and a fine arts showcase.

“It’s a week where kids get to be kids,” said Colburn. “It’s all fun and games, but we also want them to understand how important it is to be a servant leader. If nothing else, when they leave high school, they got to give their time, their effort and their energy.”

At the end of HOG week, the total amount of earnings is donated to the charity chosen for the year. Timberview has raised over $250,000 since beginning the event.

This year’s selected charity is Cook Children’s Hospital. The student council’s goal is to raise at least $10,000. If the student body reaches that goal, Cook Children’s Hospital has a donor that will match their donation.

“We’ve made a big impact within the community,” said Dejardin Moffet, co-HOG head and student body president. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Although the week is all about giving, the battle between the classes is what brings out the school spirit. Each grade has a team of contestants that work on behalf of their class. When HOG week is over, the class that wins has bragging rights for the next year.

“When you put competition within a high school it can be really cut throat,” said Moffett. “At the end of it, it really is for a good cause. When you present the check you realize the battle of the classes is what really pushes HOG week.”

The week-long event has become a tradition for students and alumni often return to watch the fun.

“Giving should be a part of your life and HOG week has helped me to do that,” said Treyvian Bolton, 2017 Timberview graduate. “Whenever I do get the chance to return to my alma mater, I do so it can give me that boost I need to keep being a servant of my community.”

The total amount raised will be announced at the closing ceremony on Friday, March 8.