The Raccoon Grade School students completed their ‘Shrine Week’ activity Friday afternoon with the announcement that Salem Mayor Nic Farley had lost the fundraising ‘war’ against Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder.
Raccoon Grade School is unique because after eighth-grade graduation the student body splits, with some going to Salem Community High School and the others to Centralia High School. For the first time this year, the battle moved out of the school to include both communities.
Superintendent Misty Johannes drew cheers as she announced, “We are going to present the Shriners with a check and that total amount is $3,124.52.”
Johannes says each mayor raised more than $1,000, but Kuder ended up on top by raising $1,743. The loss meant Mayor Kuder got to deliver a ‘red’ pie to the face of Mayor Farley.
“It was very cold and very wet, and I’m very red. Hopefully, Salem can do better next year and help me out. Hopefully, I have one coming for Mayor Kuder.”
And how did Mayor Kuder feel about throwing the pie?
“That is what you call a ‘sweet sweet victory’. I actually enjoyed that. Mayor Farley called me last week and asked me if I would be interested in doing this to make donations for the Shriners. I absolutely was on board. A lot of people came forward and said ‘We’ll donate, we’ll donate’ and we actually came out victorious.”
Centralia Mayor Bryan Kuder delivers the pie to the face of Salem Mayor Nic Farley. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Mayor Farley then took a second red pie to the face delivered by 8th grade student Jasey Bowdler whose name was drawn for the honor.
8th-grade student Jasey Bowdler is selected at random to deliver the second ‘Red’ pie to Salem Mayor Nic Farley after he came out on the short end of the fundraising battle for the Shriners ahead of Friday night’s Salem-Centralia Shrine Football game. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Students going to Salem and Centralia High were separated on the two sides of the gym and led in cheers and several football-related competitions by staff who graduated from both schools.
Shriner Terry Heern thanked everyone for their fundraising effort for the Shriner’s Hospital.
“We will take insurance if your folks have insurance, but we won’t make you pay any out-of-pocket medical expense or anything like that. That is a wonderful thing. This is a fabulous thing you guys have done for years. you’ve raised a lot of money for people who need it and we appreciate it.”
The Raccoon Sports Boosters Club has a special thank you to both Mayors and all of the Raccoon faculty, parents, and students for their participation in the weeklong activities and for making donations to this great cause.
Raccoon Grade School Superintendent Misty Johannes presents the $3,124.52 check to the Shriners for their ‘Shrine Week’ activities. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
Raccoon School Secretary Misty Rinehart leads the future Salem Wildcat students in a cheer during the conclusion of its ‘Shrine Week’ activities ahead of the Salem-Centralia Friday night Shrine football game. Photo by Bruce Kropp.
