An effort to honor the memory of Steve Irwin
By: Molly Petrilla
WEST WINDSOR With help from their piggy banks, students in the Dutch Neck School have raised $525 in honor of Steve Irwin the well-known television personality and wildlife conservationist who died last month.
"He is truly an example of someone who’s unselfish who has a non-monetary investment in saving animals," said Rick Ellis, the technology instructor who organized the fundraiser. "I knew the kids like that show and would be very aware of his death, so I thought, ‘Let’s take this and run with it.’"
Mr. Irwin was killed by a stingray Sept. 4 while filming a documentary at the Great Barrier Reef in his native Australia.
Mr. Ellis set up a large jug in his room labeled "Coins for Crike," into which students could deposit coins and bills on their way to homeroom. The money will go to the Australian Zoo’s Wildlife Warriors Worldwide the organization Mr. Irwin helped found, and to which his family requested donations be made in his memory.
Students in the K-3 school also participated in a variety of lessons in Mr. Ellis’ class that centered on Mr. Irwin and the environment. They first learned how to search the Wildlife Warriors Web site in order to learn more about the donation process and Mr. Irwin, and later used Google Earth to pay Beerwah, Australia the town in which the zoo is located a virtual visit.
Mr. Ellis’ students also used a graphic design program to create sentiment cards featuring pictures of animals in various environments and personal messages, such as, "We’re sorry that you’re gone, Steve," "You were the best," "I am going to help animals when I grow up," and "We will miss you."
The technology teacher said Wednesday that he plans to mail these cards, along with the donation check, to the Wildlife Warriors fund in the next few days.
In addition to honing their computer skills, Mr. Ellis said he wanted children to learn the value of generosity from the "Coins for Crike" drive.
"It’s important for us to show kids how it feels good to donate," he said. "It was just wonderful to see their excitement about donating. In an upper middle-class community where kids get a lot, learning to give is an important social skill."
He also pointed to Mr. Irwin’s place as a role model for children.
"I’m trying to get them away from looking at Britney Spears or Dennis Rodman as role models," he said. "They’re celebrities, but they’re not necessarily heroes. Steve Irwin was a person they should emulate he shows (children) the idea of believing in a cause and really devoting yourself to it."

