Williams Intermediate School was recently recognized as the Top Fundraising School for their participation in Pennies for Patients.

“We began participating in Pennies for Patients four years ago, when one of our students was diagnosed with leukemia,” said Robyn Whittington, school counselor at Williams Intermediate School. “The student is in remission and doing well.”

Whittington said Pennies for Patients raises money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

“We have been the top fundraising school in the state for the past three out of four years,” she said. “Last year, we were the first school to raise more than $5,000. This year, we are the first school the raise more than $6,000.”

Whittington said students raised $6,021.46 over a three-week period.

“We show the students videos (provided by The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society), and talk to them about what it is and how they can help,” she said. “I think the students feel our passion for this.”

Whittington said the fundraiser is also a competition between the homeroom classes, to see which class can raise the most money.

“The first- and second-place classes both won a pizza party, and the third- and fourth-place classes won an ice cream party,” she said.

Whittington said Josh Money’s homeroom class came in first place, with a total of $706.52.

Melanie Wise’s homeroom class came in second place, with a total of $497.30.

Greg Gilley’s homeroom class came in third place, with a total of $484.

Laurie Brasher’s homeroom class came in fourth place, with a total of $452.88.

“The homerooms also won banners to put in their classrooms, according to how much they raised,” she said. “Classes that raised more than $100 received a bronze banner, classes that raised more than $200 received a silver banner, and classes that raised more than $300 received a gold banner.”

Whittington said eight classrooms received gold banners, three classrooms received silver banners, and nine classrooms received bronze banners. Twenty-four total classrooms participated in the fundraiser.

Shelley Scott, campaign coordinator for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, said Williams Intermediate School was the top fundraising school out of 248 participating schools this year. The participating schools are located all over Alabama, and also the Florida panhandle.

“Most of the schools raise $100-$1,000,” she said.

Scott said the money will help fund research, and also help patients who suffer from leukemia and lymphoma.

“Thank you for all your hard work and support,” she told the students Monday. “You were number one this year and last year, and I hope to see you again next year. You really made a difference in the lives of those patients.”

Scott also presented the school with a $250 gift card for school supplies.

“We are very proud of the students,” Williams Intermediate School principal Holly Costello said. “We are happy to continue this fundraiser every year. Ms. Whittington works very hard to get the students excited, and this is always our biggest fundraiser.”