Congress recently passed an Economic Stimulus Package which will grant tax rebates to most American taxpayers. The program calls for rebates of $600 for individuals and $1200 for married couples (within certain income limits), plus an additional $300 per child. These rebate checks will begin arriving in May.

I challenge all Graham Hill families to pledge a portion of this windfall to support our school.

I can't think of a better way to support our nation's long-term economic stability than to invest in improving the educational opportunities of our children. The most immediate way I can think of to do that is to give to our school's great PTA. I know that in the past I've wondered why more of my taxes aren't going to education. Now that the federal government has decided to hand me back a portion of my taxes, I feel I need to step up and put my money where my mouth is.

To see how powerful this can be, let's look at an example and do a some quick math:

The Jones family with one child receives a rebate of $1,500. If the Jones' pledge just 10% to the PTA, that's $150. If 100 similar families can commit to a similar contribution, that $15,000 for our PTA!!!

To kick this challenge off, our family agrees to contribute 20% of our expected $1,800 rebate or $360. Please consider participating at whatever level you are comfortable with: 5%, 10%, 20% or more. If you would like to accept this challenge you can e-mail me, or simply add your name and pledge to the table below:

Once you've registered your pledge, please make your check payable to "Graham Hill PTA", write 'Rebate Challenge' on the memo line, and mail it to:

— Keith Harrison