Felicia Carraway - Special to the Sun

Select classrooms were rewarded Friday, Jan. 18, with pizza and root beer float parties for gaining top earnings for Laps for Learning, as well as selling bamboo plants and creating the best 'Just Say No' poster. The student who raised the most money for Laps for Learning received a new bicycle. In a repeat of last year’s performance, fifth grader Jared Moffatt raised the most money for Laps for Learning, earning $252, and another brand new bicycle.

Bill Best’s third grade class earned $1,340.33 in Laps for Learning money, which earned them a root beer float party. The hard working students also sold the most (53) bamboo plants for a total of $530. This accomplishment earned the class an ice cream sundae party. However, because one than one party was scheduled for the same day, Principal Aileen DeLapp and Best opted for a combined pizza and root beer float party. Students were very excited to being able to celebrate their hard work in such a delicious way.

Kernville Elementary School teacher William Best runs along side students in the school’s Laps for Learning event held in November.

Melinda Montgomery’s fifth grade class also earned a root beer float party because, during October’s Red Ribbon Week, each class participated in the creation of a 'Just Say No' poster. The Student Council judged that Montgomery’s class have produced the most creative and meaningful work of art. However, all of the hard work by each class was appreciated and noted. The making of posters reiterates the importance of saying 'No!' to drugs. Montgomery’s students were proud of their efforts and felt special to have earned the top prize.

About 130 Kernville Elementary students participated in this year’s Laps for Learning event. Students received pledge sheets on which family and friends made a per-lap pledge or a flat donation. After the children ran their laps, the pledge sheets were brought home and money collected. Students were responsibile for returning both to the school by Dec. 14. A majority of students received prizes for reaching specific monetary goals. Prizes included T-shirts, pencils, water bottles, backpacks, and trips to John’s Incredible Pizza. The entire school raised $7,000. According to DeLapp, this year’s total came close to matching last year’s and 'was a very good amount.' She noted that when sixth graders attended the school (prior to the district’s decision to assign them to the Wallace campus in Lake Isabella), the totalraised was closer to $8000 - $10,000.

This year Kernville Elementary School tried something new and sold 'Lucky Bamboo Plants' as a fundraiser. During the holiday season students took orders for the plants, selling for $10.00. This included its decorative pot for the plant that’s 'easy to care for, as well as beautiful.'

Figures for schoolwide sales are being tabulated, but according to DeLapp, $1200 to $1400 was raised.

DeLapp said the school could sell them again next school year, but with different arrangements, thus offering a different look for family and friends.

Both annual fundraisers raise money for the Student Council to support assemblies, field trips, parties, classroom and playground equipment, and other activities and items for the school.

Andrea Forbes, the school’s second grade teacher, is the representative for the council, and James Ayers, a fifth grader, is the Student Body President. New officers and representatives are elected each year. Because of the Student Council’s efforts, the students are able to have a higher quality learning environment.