1/04/08 -- Plymouth-Students at seven Marshall County schools (Washington Elementary, Webster Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Menominee Elementary, Bremen Senior High School, Culver Academies, and Ancilla College) held fundraising events to raise a total of $6,232.77 for the annual United Way campaign goal.

Washington Elementary School held a competitive penny war and raised $922.78. Each class set up a can and students brought in pennies to see which class could collect the most pennies. At the end of the first week, students could begin to bring in silver coins which they placed in their competitor's cans. At the end of the second week, the amount of silver was deducted from the pennies and the class with the most pennies remaining was the winner. Brenda Lewis, counselor and student council advisor, said the children enjoyed the competition. "Every child can participate," she explained. At Washington elementary, the first grade class was way ahead of the other classes in pennies, so the rest of the classes put ALL their silver in the first grader's can. The second grade class won the war and both classes received a pizza party.

Photo Above Left: Fourth-grade student council members gather around Jennifer Maddox, executive director of the United Way, to present a check for $922.78. Student Council members included: students from Jessica Huntley's class: Jenny Cuatlacuatl, Sarah Tanner, Christopher Whitley, Meghan Egierski, Lauren Deisch and Keith Longanecker; students from Suzanne Jamriska's class: Brooke Wagner, Katie Bowling, Byron Singleton, Katie Culp and Haley Mills; and students from Chris VanVactor's class: Hannah Lehiy, Joel Hadden, Madisyn Deisch, Eric Burch, Aaron Hall, Elizabeth Jackson, Matthew Reed and Will Houser.

Webster Elementary School also conducted a penny war and raised $915.95 for the United Way Campaign. Competition was fierce as jars filled with thousands of pennies. Groups joined forces to take over the lead with bills and silver coins. Ultimately, the second graders were the champs.

Photo at Right: (left to right back row) Wendi Bendy, social worker and student council sponsor, Carrie McGuire, principal; and Jennifer Maddox, executive director United Way of Marshall County (holding check). (left to right front row) Students: James Rains, McKenzie Quissell, Alexis McVicker, Taylor Brown, Chase Clarkson, and Ricardo Jurado. In addition to raising $915.95 for United Way, students were also in the midst of a food drive to benefit the Community Food Pantry at the Marshall County Neighborhood Center.

Jefferson Elementary School hosted a Crazy Hat Day-"Hats Off to United Way" and raised $2,349.04. More than 100 kids wore hats and the entire school had an opportunity to vote by putting change in the appropriate bucket. Contestants paid $1 to enter their fedora. Jeremy Druge wore a jester's hat. "They're like a clown to impress a king," explained Ariel Myers. "I forgot my hat but brought my money," Tony Figueroa said.

Photo at Left: (left to right back row) Wendi Bendy, social worker and student council sponsor; Jennifer Maddox, executive director United Way of Marshall County (holding check), Bob Remenih, principal. (left to right front row) Students: Jeremy Druge, Mercedes Bastardo, Tony Figueroa, and Ariel Myers.

Menominee Elementary School, according to Principal Michael Dunn, participated in fundraising efforts for the annual campaign and presented a check for $590 to United Way in December.

Bremen High School students raised $405 with a "Kids Night Out" babysitting program. Students volunteered their time to entertain children at the high school with a variety of activities. The babysitting fee their parents paid was completely donated to the United Way.

Culver Academies raised $900 with a "Kiss the Pig" contest. Each dorm (Culver Girls Academy) or unit (Culver Military Academy) selected a student representative. They set up jars with their pictures and the students voted by putting in money in a jar. The three students with the most money in their jars were announced at an all school meeting on November 14th. They all got to kiss the pig!

Photo at Right: (left to right) CMA student Tyler Quartuccio kissing the pig, and Melissa Alexander, Academic Affairs staff member, holding the pig. In the back are the other two finalists, CGA student Kim Danforth and CMA student Matt Smart.

Ancilla College raised $150 with their "Radio Flyer" event. Two person teams raced little red wagons on the main sidewalk of the college. One person (student or faculty member) sat in the wagon while the other person pulled them about 50 feet. The team then changed places and returned to the starting point. Each team was timed and the fastest team won. The entry fee for each team was a minimum of $20.00 in donations.

The United Way of Marshall County partners with 16 Member Agencies to provide services for the elderly, youth, those in need, and health services. United Way also supports programs across the county separate from the Member Agencies.

Donations are still needed to reach the $500,000 goal. To make a donation or for more information contact Jennifer S. Maddox, Executive Director, United Way of Marshall County at (574) 936-3366 or visit our web site at www.marshallcountyuw.org.