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L-R: Principal Annie Smith, Tabatha and Avril Shahan, Michelle Castro-Yerty and Chris Stimson

Wednesday was the culmination of three weeks of fundraising for some of the Paton-Churdan students as they celebrated their efforts with a special assembly.

Kindergarten through eighth grade students raised $1,766, well over their $750 goal, for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. P-C National Honor Society led the fundraiser as part of the national Pennies for Patients program. The event included some “wagers” that teachers and administrators made with the students if they met the fundraising goal. Principal Annie Smith, who is a long-time Iowa State University fan, wore Iowa Hawkeye gear for the day, Activities Director Chris Stimson wore a dress for the day, and science teacher Michelle Castro-Yerty shaved part of her head.

Another highlight was having five-year-old Avril Shahan and her mother Tabatha there as the featured speaker. Avril has been battling a form of leukemia since 2017 and Tabatha described their journey, from the day she was diagnosed, to her remission, and how she will be done with treatments in November.

“Sixteen-hundred-and-seventeen days ago on August 27, 2017 was the worst day of our lives. I reflect back on that day and I think about all the people that we met, the children that we’ve lost, and the fighters and survivors that we stand by. And I realize how blessed we are to have her here 1,617 days later.”

NHS Advisor Libby Towers echoed Tabatha’s comments and added that by having them at their event made it more personal for the students.

“I loved being able to really give them a face at the end. When the lady came from Pennies for Patients, she highlighted their national sponsors or kids. Because every year they have new kids that are kind of the face of the society. But I think to really have somebody come in and be able to talk about right here in Greene County that’s gone through it, I thought that was pretty special. And I think it resonated with a lot of the kids too.”

The top class that raised the most money also won a pizza party and that was Hayley Jass’ second grade class, which raised over $400. Pictures from the event can be found below.

Special guest speaker Tabatha Shahan (left) holding Avril (right) who is in remission after battling a form of leukemia.
Science teacher Michelle Castro-Yerty getting her hair shaved

L-R: Principal Annie Smith, Tabatha and Avril Shahan, Michelle Castro-Yerty and Chris Stimson