As school begins, Odyssey Middle School student council members are planning a field trip to Chicago.
“We’re really looking forward to this historic trip,” student council member Liz Horton said. “We usually go to a local park or a power plant. This year we’re doing something that students will get excited about.”
A big trip means the students will have to raise more money than in the past. The student council listened to many students’ fund-raising ideas.
Ashley Jenkins recommended a 25-hour basketball game. “People could pledge a certain amount for every hour we play,” she said. “My personal record is 15 hours without a bathroom break, but I think we could top that.”
Mandy Straussberg suggested that the annual Fall Festival be used as a fund-raiser. “We’ve got lots of people with unique skills,” she said. “Wooton and his pipe cleaner animals alone would attract a crowd.”
Rodney Rathbone suggested a “pin the tail on Alex Jefferson” contest. He said that all the Bones of Rath would pay to participate. Student council members didn’t react favorably to Rathbone’s idea.
Marvin Washington suggested a car wash at Whit’s End. “Everybody goes there, so we’re sure to attract lots of customers.” John Avery Whittaker has already agreed to donate soap, hoses and sponges for the event. Bernard Walton, a highly esteemed window cleaner, has donated buckets and squeegees.
So far the student council has raised $4,000. They still have $2,000 more to earn, but they may not stop there, Horton says. “We’re having so much fun, we may just keep going.”