Published: December 01, 2007 11:48 pm      

Orvis Risner students’ hard work pays off

EDMOND — Orvis Risner students experienced a reward of hard work by playing on a blow up slide, moon bounce and obstacle courses at a Big Blast Party Friday.

Holly Bailey, who is in charge of fundraising for the Parent Teacher Association, said the students previously completed a fundraiser through All 4 Kids and sold various items, including food, gifts and wrapping paper.

“The school had to sell an average of 12 items per kid (in order to have the party),” Bailey said.

The students raised about $28,000 and the school gets to keep half. Bailey said installing a walking trail and gazebo could be a possible project. She said once the trail is completed the students will know that each individual played a part in making it happen.

Linda Zizzo, physical education teacher, said all PE, health and music classes were canceled for the day so the students could attend the party in the gym. She said the money the students raised also could buy computers, software and playground equipment.

Third-grader Kennedy Jackson said he sold 12 items.

“We got to go knocking on doors and feel the money and know we earned it,” he said. “You got to earn things like toys.”

Cayley Wert, third-grader, said the fundraiser gave her a chance to see her grandmother for only the second time. Her grandmother bought five of the 15 items she sold.

The fundraiser gave fourth-grader Cedrick Turner a chance to spend more time with his mom. Turner said he learned not to go door to door alone.

“You can’t go up peoples’ houses without parents or they might do something bad,” added Bailee Ford, fourth-grader.

Audra Fraim, All 4 One representative assistant, said students always get excited about the Big Blast Party reward because it is the closest thing to an amusement park that some have experienced.