Earlier this month, Salida High School senior Reese Daugherty turned a personal idea into a heartfelt community initiative aimed at easing the financial burden faced by graduating seniors. Her event, called “Fund Your Friends’ Farewell Flea Market,” took place on May 8th in the student parking lot, offering a space for seniors to earn a bit of extra cash while involving the broader community in their post-graduation journey. It was a pop-up thrift shop, filled with clothes and things they no longer need.
The concept was born from Reese’s own experiences and frustrations: scholarships that barely cover the cost of textbooks, the looming pressure of student loans, and the daunting reality of trying to afford college or independent life after high school. “It’s almost like they’re trying to keep us in debt forever,” she noted. While systemic change may take time, Reese wanted to do something immediate, local, and meaningful. “I don’t have the power to rewrite funding policies,” she said, “but I do have a parking lot, a lot of stuff to sell, and friends in the same boat.”
Inspired by a friend who had once sold her belongings out of her car before leaving for college, Reese envisioned a pop-up thrift market where each senior could transform their car or a table into a mini secondhand shop. Seniors brought gently used clothes, books, and personal items to sell, keeping the proceeds to help cover graduation-related or future expenses. Community members were also invited to participate, as long as they pledged to donate at least 30% of their sales to a fund for the Class of 2025. While turnout wasn’t as large as Reese had hoped, the event was rich in spirit.
Reese had worked hard to get the word out, posting flyers, making school announcements, writing to the newspaper, and reaching out to local radio. She knows change doesn’t happen overnight, but she’s optimistic the event could grow. “This could be a spring tradition,” she said, “a community yard sale with purpose, fun, festive, and supportive.”
Whether it raised hundreds or just a few dollars, the Farewell Flea Market planted a seed. It was a reminder that even small acts of support can have meaningful ripple effects, especially when driven by students who believe in each other.