HOISINGTON — What does family mean?  What does a member do if one of them is hurting or needs help?  That is what the Hoisington High School Family, Career and Community Leaders of America were faced with when they heard the news that high school staff member, Amanda Brack’s son, Austin has a rare disease called Stevens – Johnson Syndrome.  With all of today’s technology, it didn’t take them long to determine a plan had to be in place for the Brack family.  On the way home from  a national meeting in Omaha, Neb., the students decided to sell root beer floats after lunch once a week until Christmas.  They also decided that they would sell them after the middle school and high school winter concerts so that the community could help if they hadn’t a chance another way.  The students also devised a plan that they would donate most of the supplies for this so that the Bracks could have more money from the fundraiser.  
When  FCCLA member, Tanner, was in 5th grade, the FCCLA had learned about a project called “There’s a Monkey in My Chair” for students who were diagnosed with any type of cancer.  They got the project going for that class.  Advisor Karla Reisner spoke to the group about finding out what Austin’s favorite animal was a seeing if his classmates could take care of it throughout the school day and take it to lunch, same as with the monkey.  That way there isn’t an empty seat in the classroom.  After speaking to Austin’s aunt, Stacy Dolecheck, Mario was purchased.  He was presented to Della Boxberger’s class.  Mrs. Boxberger will assign a student to take care of Mario Austin for the school day.