McNicholas held its 14th annual Penny Day and 12th annual Blood Drive on Friday, Feb. 1 where students, faculty, and staff donated $6,100 and 85 units of blood.
According to Service Coordinator Sam Roflow, approximately $4,500 will be donated to inner city schools. “Over the years, more than $80,000 has been donated to St. Mark’s School and St. Joseph’s School, among others,” Roflow said. “The rest of the money is contributed to service-related scholarships, families who have lost a parent, or anyone struggling to afford a Catholic education.”
Freshman Lauren Dundon was excited to participate in her first Penny Day. The night before, Dundon emptied out a jar that she had been saving coins in for the fundraiser. She believes that Penny Day is a great way for McNicholas to give back to the community. “It gives McNicholas a chance to help other people,” Dundon said. “Everyone brought some money, and it can really make a difference in others’ lives.”
Spanish teacher Kyle Jepson agrees that Penny Day is a significant day for McNicholas. “I think it’s an important day for teachers to serve, and through that, for students to raise a lot of money,” Jepson said.
Throughout the day, approximately 120 students had appointments in the gym to donate blood to Hoxworth Blood Center.
Junior Cameron Engel donated a unit of blood. “It’s not pleasant, but it’s worth it because you know it’s going to help someone,” Engel said.
Twenty-five members of Service Club stayed after school to count and sort leftover coins. Roflow was impressed by the enthusiasm and generosity of students on Penny Day. “It was a great way to end Catholic Schools’ Week,” Roflow said. “It’s the only day of the school year where we take the focus offourselves and completely work to help others.”
The McNicholas Milestone 