On Friday, September 11th, the Ashkar Elementary PTA in Hughesville kicked off the school’s fundraising event that does not require selling merchandise. Race into the Wave of Education is the theme for this school year. Students from Kindergarten through Sixth grade will ask family, friends, and neighbors to sponsor laps as they walk around the Hughesville High School mile track on Friday, October 2nd.

Funds will be raised through pledges per lap or flat pledges of any given dollar amount and be used to provide Ashkar’s students with programs, field trips, and other activities sponsored by the PTA during the school year. Every student who participates will earn prizes based on the amount of pledges collected. PTA President Amanda Emig said ” I appreciate the Race for Education Fundraiser because of the overall school enthusiasm and involvement. The students have the opportunity to take ownership of the amount of money they can raise and the benefits that come with their efforts”.

Parents who volunteer will become “Lifeguards”, and will assist with the snack station, and punching the student’s beach pass to record the number of laps walked on the track. A family of Ashkar Stars walking together can enter to win a Family Fun Basket. Student’s names will be entered to win random prizes throughout the day.

Ashkar Principal Suzanne Foresman gave the students a rousing pep talk while showing this year’s selection of top prizes. If the student’s raise over $28,000, Mrs. Foresman will dress up as Patrick Star (from SpongeBob SquarePants) and will be velcroed to the wall of the cafeteria during lunchtime. This year Mrs. Foresman asked the students to submit ideas and the response was overwhelming. Two girls came up with the winning challenge and shared a monetary prize to be redeemed at Target. All pledge forms are to be turned in by September 25th. The students left the assembly charged with excitement, ready to start collecting pledges.

Mrs. Foresman is pictured displaying one of the top prizes. For collecting $100.00 in pledges, students receive a special treat and are invited to the Beach Bounce Party.