November Make A Difference Winner

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Each month WTHI-TV and Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 157 recognize people making a difference here in the Wabash Valley.

November's award goes to the Terre Haute South swimming and diving team.

Jeff Thompson coaches the Terre Haute South Swimming team.
He trains them to be winners in the water. This Halloween, he taught them to be leaders in the community. "It's nice to see young people doing something really positive," said Jeff Thompson.

The high schoolers went door-to-door, trick or treating for canned goods. The food went to local charities. "We're just a little school but what we do makes a big impact," said senior Kayelene Linkenheld.

An impact that weighed in at more than 5,000 pounds. "It's really great to know that we're impacting Terre Haute,"said Linkenheld.
"It's neat to see a little idea grow into something so big," said Thompson.

This friendly competition did more than feed the needy. This idea is being paid forward, to other people in other places. "We found out other schools have been doing it too," said Linkenheld.

These swimmers are back in the pool, making waves. To them, this award means more than a victory. "You won't really remember what times you went, but things like this, how much you helped out your community," said senior Jordan Ellis.

It's an honor that lasts a lifetime.

If you'd like to nominate someone for a Make a Difference award, you can do so by clicking here .