Sights Set on the Stars

The Holton (MI) Elementary School chapter of the National Elementary Honor Society recently planned and carried out a Penny War to benefit the local planetarium, the Carr-Fles Planetarium located on the campus of Muskegon Community College. The college is currently raising money for a major renovation and the students were able to raise more than $600 for this great cause.

The chapter ran the Penny War for two weeks at school and it featured a challenge between grade levels in the K-5 building. Fifth grade won the war, but the race was tight and the leader changed daily. Pennies counted as positive points and any silver coins and dollars were negative points.

Chapter officers (L to R) shown with the results of their penny war: President, Isaiah Villareal; Secretary, Brianna Regeczi; Treasurer, Haylee Brant; and Vice President, Hannah Thompson.

Shown above (right), chapter officers present a symbolic check for $610.52 to Tina Dee, Director of Community Relations/Foundation Director from Muskegon Community College, at the assembly honoring the chapter’s accomplishments.

Adviser Lisa Kokx commented on the campaign by noting, “There was great competition between grade levels, siblings, and staff. The NEHS members were charged with collecting, rolling, and counting all the money. It was a long tedious process and members volunteered to give up their lunch and recess hours to help, but everyone had fun doing it. They have received attention from the school administration, the community, the planetarium staff, Muskegon Community College, and a local radio station.”

The NEHS chapter has 46 members and there are about 500 students enrolled at Holton Elementary located in Holton, a small community about 15 miles northeast of Muskegon. For their special fundraising efforts, students have been awarded with two plaques, one for the Holton NEHS and the other for Holton Elementary, that will be put up outside the planetarium. Following the fundraiser, chapter members have planned to visit the planetarium to view a show being presented especially for our Honor Society members.

Many thanks to the NEHS chapter at Holton Elementary, especially their adviser, Lisa Kokx, for submitting their project report, and more importantly for all of their hard work to raise money for a good cause.