Students filed into the gym of Springfield Elementary School on a recent Friday morning.
As the students sat — row by row, grade by grade — the initial buzz of whispers and giggling turned into silence as Principal Wes Reed took the microphone.
The students had not come to hear him speak, however. They were there to see him get a pie thrown into his face.
As a part of the Pennies for Patients fundraiser, Springfield students entered a raffle to plant a whipped-cream pie not only into their principal's face, but into Superintendent Chuck Chevalier's face as well.
"What a wonderful fundraiser," Chevalier said, using a towel to clean off leftover whipped cream from his face and shirt. He said he was proud to participate.
This is not the first time Reed has found himself in a funny spot for this fundraiser. In years past he has done things as extreme as getting duct-taped to the wall.
"It's a great community service project that involves our student council and student body," said Reed.
According to a video students watched previous to the main event, Pennies for Patients has been used throughout the nation as a way for schools to raise millions of dollars for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
Last year, Springfield students raised more than $1,100, and this year's total was $1,782.77.
"Every year I'm overwhelmed," said Michelle McCracken, student council adviser. "Students come up with such amazing ideas and participate."
McCracken initially was surprised that Reed and Chevalier were willing to be "pied" in front of students, but she was still thrilled with the results. "I'm glad they were such good sports and eager to help out and participate."
Also in Springfield, students at Westmont Elementary School are working to raise $1,500 in hopes of seeing their gym teacher, Hannon Hisek, shave his head.
The superintendent said students in South Sarpy schools continue to demonstrate the district's passion for community support and charitable giving.
"We have great kids," Chevalier said, "They do projects that try to make everything good."
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