12/20/10 The student bodies of Webster, Jefferson, Washington, and Menominee Elementary Schools and the Culver Academies collectively raised $2,572.27 for the 2010 United Way of Marshall County Campaign.
The elementary schools held Penny Wars with Webster raising $628.18, Jefferson $325.39, Menominee $824.81 and Washington $103.45. Students at Culver Academies participated in an elimination game over several days to raise $690.44 for the campaign.
The rules for Penny Wars vary from school to school. Menominee and Washington elementary students brought pennies to school and placed them in a jar for three days. Each grade had its own jar. For the last two days of the week students then brought in silver coins (nickels, dimes and quarters) and placed them in a second jar of another grade. At the end of the second week, the value of the silver in one jar was subtracted from the value of the pennies in the other jar and the grade with the most money left was declared the winner.
Menominee’s 1st grade class collected the most money and the 3rd grade class was the Penny War winner. The 4th grade at Washington collected the most money and won the Penny War. Menominee Principal Michael Dunn, Washington Principal Michele Riise, and Social Worker Brenda Lewis all helped sponsor the Penny Wars.
“There’s some strategy involved for the students,” said Lewis, who conducted the Penny Wars at both Menominee and Washington. Lewis has been conducting Penny Wars for years which she first started at Webster Elementary. She further commented, “I think it’s good to get the kids involved in their community. What they do makes a difference—even if it’s just a penny.”
Jefferson and Webster’s Penny Wars are very similar to those held by Menominee and Washington. The difference was students could bring in silver coins throughout the week. Students bring pennies and silver (nickels, dimes and quarters) to school each day during the week. Each grade had two jars—one for pennies and the other for silver. Pennies were placed in their own grade’s jar while silver was placed in the jar of another grade (the competition). At the end of the week, the value of the silver in one jar was subtracted from the value of the pennies in the other jar and the grade with the most money left was declared the winner.
The 2nd grade at Jefferson won the Penny War. The winners received a Scooby Doo Trouble board game for their class for days when inclement weather means indoor recess. The 1st grade class was only 30 cents behind! They earned a popcorn party.
The 4th grade at Webster won the Penny War and earned a popcorn party. Jefferson Principal Robert Remenih, Webster Principal Carrie McGuire, and Social Worker Wendi Bendy all helped sponsor the Penny Wars. “They learn a lot from doing it,” Bendy commented.
The United Way of Marshall County extends its sincere thanks to all the students for their outstanding contribution to the 2010 campaign.
Jefferson Photo:
(Back Row l-r): Jennifer Maddox, UW Executive Director, Melissa Owen, 2010 Campaign Chair, and Robert Remenih, Jefferson Principal
(Front Row l-r): Michael Stauffer, Alison Langfeldt, Shy Carter, and Fransheska Cantero
Menominee Photo:
(Back Row l-r): Pamela Driver, Jessica Enders, Edgar Garcia, Samantha Smith, Annalise Barden, Kacee Peters, Nicole Keller, and Michael Simpson
(Middle Row l-r): Nick Spier, Julia Marohn, Bryce Carmichael, Amanda McFarland, Michael Dunn, Menominee Principal, Jennifer Maddox, United Way Executive Director, Josie Edwards, Coleton Maston, Jessica Gallardo, Mickaela Bush, and Angel Gildner
(Front Row seated l-r): Mary Beatty, Brason Leazenby, Kieran McCan, Lauren DeMont, Jessica Bach, and Jada Anglin
Washington Photo:
(Back row: l-r) Brenda Lewis, Social Worker, Heidi Hardel; Leslie Dorantes; Alexis Tomblin; Lily Wallace; Alysa Kaminskas; Nikki Laucis; Alex Baca; Ryan Mata, and Jennifer Maddox, United Way Executive Director
(Middle row: l-r) Morgan Stevens; Alysen Sanchez; Tia Freshour; Bethany Hayden; Kelcey Shell; and Tristan Sims
(Front row seated: l-r) Hunter Poor; Haley Buchanan; Kelsi Weiss; Raquel Teutle; Grace Whitley; Parker Gamble; and Anthony Hernandez
Webster Photo:
(Front row: l-r) Kaylee Dragani and Kasi Harner
(Back row: l-r) Wendi Bendy, Social Worker, Carrie McGuire, Webster Principal, Kelsey Owen, Melissa Owen, 2010 Campaign Chair, and Jennifer Maddox, UW Executive Director
