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"Pretty awesome!"

That's how Lauren Falconer, a science teacher at the Rock Academy, reacted to the news that Rock Academy students stepped out and collected more than 80 pairs of shoes to Soles4Souls last month. They also collected more than $1,200 to donate to World Vision for help in Haiti.

She said students voted on World Vision because of their exposure to the Rock's D.U.H recycling ministries, which has a relationship with that agency. Lauren, who previously worked as a speaker and advocacy educator for World Vision for three years before joining the Rock Academy, also has shared her experiences with the kids.

They also collected more than $1,200 to donate to World Vision for help in Haiti.

"We promoted the donations through announcements, at chapel, and through email to families," said Lauren, who also is ASB advisor.

The campaign included collecting gently used shoes and donating them to Soles4Souls, a Nashville-based charity that collects shoes from donors and from footwear companies. Since 2005, Soles4Souls has given away over 7 million pairs of new and gently worn shoes, and currently donates about one pair every 9 seconds. The Rock Academy's pile of was delivered to the Sports Chalet at UTC in La Jolla.

In the photo: (From left) Katie Mayhue, a Rock Academy 6th grader; Rock teacher Lauren Falconer; 10th grade Noelle Fenton; and Pamela Andujo, a 4th grader.