The eighth grade students in Kelly Russell’s critical literacy class at Westhampton Beach Middle School gave back to the Westhampton Beach School District Hurricane Foundation by organizing an escape room fundraiser on Dec. 3.

The inspiration for the event began in seventh grade, when the students learned about the United Nations Messengers of Peace program as part of their curriculum. Expanding on the lesson this year, they decided to organize and plan the fundraiser, which raised more than $800.

The students designed an escape room around the theme of “evil science lab.” Participants were given clues and moved through 10 rooms to solve riddles, find a blueprint and race back to the school’s cafeteria to crack the final code. 

The event also included a student-run bake sale and a photo booth featuring various props.