Brewer High School took the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that has been making rounds on the Internet recently with videos of people around the world pouring ice water on themselves and encouraging others to do the same.

Thursday after the pep rally, over 400 students and several staff members accepted the challenge from Hannah Bazzel, a junior at Brewer. Bazzel challenged the entire school Tuesday after accepting the challenge herself on Monday.

Bazzel’s father, Chris Bazzel, has ALS. He is no longer able to speak, so he uses an iPad or Tobii Technology to communicate. He also uses a motorized wheelchair to travel. Chris decided to complete the challenge as well, so his family poured ice water over him Thursday after Brewer accepted the challenge.

As part of the challenge, Brewer students raised over $1,100 to the ALS Association in one day. Principal Jeremy Childers said the donations were still coming in up until just before the ice bucket challenge.

“The students participated so well for this great event,” Childers said. “We quickly had over 400 students sign up and donate to the challenge. I would say at least 50 more students just gave money. This is a great cause that we are hoping the whole county will eventually get behind.”

The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge requires those who have been challenged to donate money to the ALS Association, video themselves pouring ice water on themselves and then call out other people they challenge to do the same within 24 hours.

Brewer challenged several other schools and principals in Morgan County including Austin High School, where Chris Bazzel played football and tennis before he graduated.

The Bazzel family was overwhelmed at the support they received from Brewer’s staff and students.

“We are just overjoyed at the outpouring of support we have seen,” said Myra Bazzel, Chris’s wife. “Hannah talked with Mr. Childers about challenging the whole school after she had already challenged the Coach Styles and the football team and Mr. Farris and the band. He was glad to help with figuring out a way to make it happen. The donations from these Ice Bucket Challenges really give us hope that some day a cure will be found.”

Myra Bazzel said this challenge has really helped Hannah feel like she is making a difference.

“This challenge has given Hannah a voice that she didn’t know she had,” Myra Bazzel said. “She knows that this has made a difference in her daddy’s life. This challenge is characteristic of her because she is always compassionate and encouraging to others. She gives inspirational quotes of encouragement to the dance team all the time. She’s really learned how much support she has, and she’s so appreciative of that.”