SF Teacher Sings To Help Earthquake Survivors

SIOUX FALLS, SD - The devastation was dramatic, and eight weeks after Japan's earthquake and tsunami, the cleanup is far from over. Media coverage of the event inspired a Sioux Falls teacher to reach out to the victims, with a song he wrote called "Survivor."

The footage shows complete destruction after Japan was hit with a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, followed by a powerful tsunami in March. It was enough to spur a Sioux Falls teacher into action.

Jim Groth at Lincoln High School wrote the song "Survivor" after the Indonesian tsunami in 2004, and brought it back to life a few weeks ago.

"Maybe we could use the song as a way to allow people to donate money," Groth said.

Groth recorded the song and made 500 copies on CD, that are for sale at Lincoln's school store. He also had help in making a music video to showcase the song.

"CTE did our video that we used to launch to students, graphics class student did the cover," Groth said.

"I was thinking, 'Wow, this is my chance to actually help.' Looking at the news footage, the post-apocalyptic thing going on," sophomore Trevin Harmacek, who designed the CD cover said.

The idea is to hook up with a sister school in Japan, so that money will not just go toward survivors but other kids; something the students can relate to.

"I read some information that schools were hard to evacuate; they couldn't mobilize a lot of students fast enough," Groth said.

Groth is happy to use the song as a fundraising tool, though he hopes those who hear it realize it carries a deeper purpose.

"The project really is not so much about the song as it is people helping out, donating, sending a gift over there," Groth said.

"Sends shivers up my spine to listen to it. I can just imagine, like all the pictures they have up around the school," Harmacek said.

Reminding students that they can help make a difference, too.

Click here to buy a CD of the song “Survivor.”