Students from the Kiski Area School District have been having fun, fundraising.
The district’s annual Cav-A-Thon wrapped up this week, raising more than $12,500.
The event raises money for Alle-Kiski Valley charities.
“It will be shared with the Alle-Kiski HOPE Center, Kiski Valley Food Bank and the Stuff-A-Bus organization,” said Lindsay Smith, Kiski Area High School counselor and the event organizer.
Smith said each school works independently to raise funds; she collects the money and handles the distribution of donations.
All six schools participated.
Kiski Area North Primary School raised more than $7,000, thanks in part to a creative Snowball Blitz-themed contest.
Students were able to buy snowballs from other classrooms. At the end of the week, the class with the most money collected won the chance to throw a “snowball” — consisting of a whipped cream pie — at their classroom teacher.
All of the fourth graders at North Primary School watched teacher Jody King get “snowballed.”
“Being picked to pie Mrs. King was a lot of fun,” said student Hunter McCurdy.
Fourth grader Amaya Spadafora was excited to win the grand-prize raffle basket containing more than 25 gift cards.
“I was so happy,” Spadafora said. “I never thought I would win. I couldn’t believe it was happening when I heard them call my name. I hugged my teacher, Mrs. O’Malley.”
Kiski Area Upper Elementary Principal Brian Swartzlander said the students enjoy the activities because the teachers go above and beyond to make them meaningful and fun.
He said Cav-A-Thon was created more than 30 years ago — he remembers it from his elementary school days in the district.
“It also gives them the opportunity to work as a building team to make a difference in the community,” Swartzlander said. “We believe it’s important to raise awareness of those in need and encourage our students to support this districtwide event.”
