Proposal

A clear understanding of your research topic, project option, and implementation plan is essential for completing a successful Graduation Project. The purpose of the Graduation Project Proposal is to help you organize your thoughts as you proceed with your research and project. In paragraph form, discuss the following information and answer all relevant questions. Your Proposal should be double spaced and use 12 pt Times New Roman font.
 * Springfield** **Township High School**  **Graduation Project Proposal**


 * Note: The Proposal must be accepted by your advisor before you begin your project!**


 * Project**

__Briefly describe your intended project.__ Raise awareness (and hopefully sufficient funds) for the Lupus Foundation of America). I plan on changing the color of the fountain in Willow Grove Mall purple, to showcase Lupus awareness. I would also like to provide an information table, with the help of some friends-or members of Youth in the Loop for Life. I have a few other ideas that I would like to incorporate into this fundraiser but I'm not sure if they are do-able. However, it may mainly be myself and another executive board member, Lauren McManus working out the kinks in the fundraiser.

__Project Outcome or Goal__ I hope to raise awareness of chronic illnesses, using Lupus as the main example. This links seamlessly into my project by provided information about a chronic illness that not many people are aware of, while reaching out to the community to educate them; while at the same time raise funds for the foundation.

__Project Completion Strategies__ I have already contacted (called and e-mailed) the marketing directer of Willow Grove mall, and talked to the CEO of The Lupus Foundation of America, Tri-State Chapter about the awareness campaign. Unfortunately, I have yet to hear back from the marketing director, however Annette Myarick, CEO of the Lupus Foundation likes the idea, and is willing to help in any way. I plan on pushing until I can get what I want, this is something I strongly believe on doing before my senior year ends. People love seeing youth getting involved, and promoting awareness-especially to something they might know even know about. I am confident that I will gain the support that I need to complete this project.

__Project Resources and Materials__ From beginning to end I will need: technology (of course), emailing and contacting marketing directors. Also staying in contact with Mrs. Myarick from the Lupus Foundation. Also the constant advice from Mrs. Lewis. I will eventually be needing to create posters, and advertisements. Help from peers, and Lauren McManus. As far as hours, I'm not sure how longs it will take...


 * Research**

__Research Topic:__ I will be researching the negative effects teens experience due to a chronic illness. I chose this topic because before I was a student here at Springfield (freshman year) I never knew what Lupus was, or knew anyone with a chronic illness. However my freshman year I joined Youth in the Loop for Life, and learned about Lupus, which is an autoimmune disease that can effect any part of the body, and though it is not rare, few people know about the illness. Since then I am determined to spread awareness and raise funds to benefit the Lupus Foundation.

__Essential Question:__ What are the negative effects teens experience due to chronic illness?

__Prior Experience:__ Yes, once again, begin a member of Youth in the Loop for Life we have volunteered multiple times with events that benefit those with lupus or arthritis. We have also help numerous fundraisers to benefit the Lupus Foundation.

__Research Benefits:__ I intend on raising awareness to the community and students of STHS about Lupus and other chronic illnesses that effect youth. They will benefit by being more informed about something they might not know about. In turn I hope they will share their "new knowledge" with others, which will allow the (chain) of awareness to grow.

__Potential Sources:__ Like i mentioned in the "intended project" piece. I will be keeping touch with Mrs. Lewis as well as the CEO of the Lupus Foundation Tri-State Chapter Mrs. Myarick; as they can also provide me with information about the cause. While working with the committee, and attending the Lupus Symposium that was help at STHS in 2010 I met Alyssa Sanders, who is a Freshman in HS I believe who is living with Lupus. I'm sure I can run to her with any questions or ask for suggestions.