LSCEF Walkathon raises nearly $21,000 for Hawks’ education

Students celebrate after learning they helped raise over $20,000 and get to turn their principal into a human ice cream sundae. Right, Hannah Neleman and Chase Gray douse L-S Principal Teri Bowlin with strawberry syrup. Bowlin held up her end of the deal - if the students raised $14,000 at this year's Walkathon, she would turn herself into an ice cream sundae. 

 

Lynnville-Sully elementary students rose to the challenge of raising $14,000 for this year’s Lynnville-Sully Community Education Foundation Walkathon held on Friday, May 6. Students rallied family, friends, and area businesses, and together, they crushed the goal by over $6,000. This year’s walkathon raised a record-breaking $20,910 for Lynnville-Sully education.

Friday afternoon, all elementary students gathered at the track under long-awaited sunny skies. To kick off the walkathon, teachers enjoyed friendly competition in a throwing contest that had the students on their feet cheering. Then, it was time for the grand reveal of the total amount of money raised. The students, pumped up with excitement and anticipation of turning L-S PreK-8 Principal Teri Bowlin into a human ice cream sundae, provided the drumroll by enthusiastically stomping their feet. LSCEF members slowly drew the curtain up on the walkathon fundraising gauge and in dramatic fashion, the total amount of $20,910 was revealed. The students in the stands erupted with celebratory hollers and high fives.

As was promised if the fundraising goal was met, Mrs. Bowlin took her seat of honor for the human ice cream sundae experiment. One student from each K-5 class was randomly drawn to assist with the toppings. One by one, the students doused Mrs. Bowlin with chocolate, strawberry, and caramel syrup, whipped cream, sprinkles, and of course, cherries on top. Mrs. Bowlin was a sweet, sticky mess at the end but she was happy to sport the ice cream toppings to show appreciation for the efforts of L-S students and the generosity of those who contributed.

Faye Brand and Kyra Smith of the LSCEF hold the fundraising banner behind Mrs. Bowlin.

“We cannot thank our elementary classroom teachers, parents, family, and friends from near and far, and local businesses enough for their on-going support of our Walkathon,” said LSCEF Director Kyra Smith. “Our LSCEF Board Members and Ellis the Hawk created an exciting atmosphere on the track for our students to celebrate their successful fundraising.  It was a beautiful afternoon to celebrate the wonderful education our students receive at L-S.”

Following the grand reveal, classes took turns on the track and burned off energy. LSCEF members oversaw various stations as students walked and ran laps, jumped over hurdles, climbed through tunnels, tested their throwing skills, and walked across balance beams. Music played from the speakers to keep the atmosphere lively, and the students enjoyed a special appearance from Ellis the Hawk, Lynnville-Sully’s mascot, and he handed out high fives and hugs, raced the students, and was challenged to do the “Griddy” many times by enthusiastic boys who are fascinated by the touchdown celebration dance.

Following their time on the track, students enjoyed ice cream donated by ZIP IN before heading back to the classroom. The LSCEF awarded three classrooms on Friday for their fundraising efforts. Both fifth-grade classrooms were awarded for having perfect participation. They will enjoy an ice cream party before the school year is out, sponsored by the LSCEF. Mrs. Shannon Bennington’s kindergarten class was rewarded with $100 for raising the most money. Mrs. Bennington can use the cash any way she’d like to enhance her classroom.

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