Junior high students at MdCV Middle School promote contributions to their penny collection, during a recent school competition. Courtesy photo.

Recently, students at Marais des Cygnes Valley Junior High and Senior High schools competed against each other in a junior high versus high school competition, Penny Wars, to spread their holiday cheer.

Students brought in loose change in hopes of collecting the most money for their class. The contest awarded each class points for pennies and bills for each cent donated, but “silver” coins, such as nickels, dimes, and quarters took points away. The classes were allowed to sabotage their opponents by throwing silver coins into their opponent’s buckets.

MdCV High School students help spread Christmas cheer with a friendly change collection competition.

The total amount of money collected was $1,114.19, which was to be donated to a charity of the winning class’ choosing. The junior high class came up with $455.24, and donated their portion to the Osage County Sheriff’s Office’s toy drive. The high school class, collecting $658.95, decided to divide their collection between Special Olympics and the local Mayes House, each receiving $329.47.

Students also demonstrated their holiday spirit throughout the week by decorating classroom doors, participating in holiday trivia contests, and dressing up for Spirit Days.

Information and photos thanks to Mary Sumner LMSW, USD 456 social worker.