by Gianna Bucci, reporter

With March’s arrival, the McDonald’s restaurant chain is bringing back their signature shamrock shake. Many consider the shamrock shake to be a staple of the St. Patrick’s Day season, and many students at Jim Thorpe High School will enjoy the frosty mint beverage while it is available.

Senior, Adrian Brady, states, “I Love shamrock shakes. They are so delicious. They taste like St. Patrick’s Day in a cup!”

Although these tasty shakes are loved by a great number of people all across the country, many do not know the story behind them. In 1974, Philadelphia Eagles tight end Fred Hill was going through some hard times. His three-year-old daughter Kim was being treated for leukemia, and was in and out of the hospital for three years. Over that period of time, Fred and his wife watched as other families struggled through the same ordeal. Many families had to travel very far to have their child treated and they would have nowhere to stay while they were there.

The Hill’s wondered how they could help these families during such trying times. So, Fred Hill talked to Jim Murray, the Eagles general manager, who then phoned Don Tuckerman, who worked for the local McDonald’s advertisement agency. After some thought, they came up with a brilliant idea. Since St. Patrick’s Day was coming up, McDonald’s would sell a green colored shake in support of St.Patrick’s day, and of course, the Philadelphia Eagles. All proceeds however, would go towards buying a house for families with hospitalized kids. Soon after the shakes were introduced, the Hill’s wish finally came true and a house near the hospital was purchased.

Senior, Alyssa Smith, said, “I never knew how shamrock shakes came about. To hear the real story was heartwarming. I think the shamrock shakes are sold for a good cause.”

After asking many students here at Jim Thorpe high school, it was found that quite a lot of students are fans of the shakes. With the closest McDonald’s only four miles away from the high school, students will be sure to take advantage of the delicious desserts this season, and now that more people know the backstory, perhaps they will appreciate them more.

“The Shamrock Shake :: AboutMcDonalds.com.” The Shamrock Shake :: AboutMcDonalds.com. McDonalds. Web. 2 Mar. 2015. <http://www.aboutmcdonalds.com/mcd/our_company/amazing_stories/food/the_shamrock_shake.html>.