Earlier this spring, the Robson Community School held its annual Spell-A-Thon. Over the spring break, students were given word lists to study and were asked to collect pledges from family members, friends and neighbours. This is the school's major fundraiser of the year, and once again, the students and community didn't disappoint, raising almost $4500.00!! Each year the proceeds go toward something that the school really needs, and in the past, musical instruments, playground equipment, and a screen for our gymnasium are but a few things that have been purchased. This year, the money raised will go toward buying hundreds of new books for our library. This is very exciting for our school, since we have so many avid readers who are always looking for new books to read!! A BIG thank you must go out to the many local businesses and organizations who donated gift certificates, merchandise and money to this project. These were used as prizes for students who performed well on the test, and collected a minimum amount of pledge money. Gabriel Thring, a Grade 3 student, raised the most money in the school ($260.00), and won a pool party donated by the Sandman Inn. Taya Van Hoorn, a Grade 5 student, raised the second highest ($218.96), and won a bowling party donated by Castle Bowl. Mrs. Wilkinson's Grade 4 class collected the most money, over $1100.00, and won a pizza party. Mrs. Pruss' Grade 3 class had the highest percentage of participants, and they won a cupcake party donated by Country Style Bakery. McDonald's, Tina Popoff Jewelry, Arby's, A & W, The Movie Company, Dairy Queen, Johnny's Grocery, PNT Contracting, The Robson Volunteer Fire Department, Riverside Hair and Body Care, HTR Design, Kootenay Centre Cinema, Tim Horton's, and the Castlegar Rec Centre all generously donated many prizes as well. Thank you very much!! A thank you also needs to go out to all the wonderful people who pledged money to our students - without your generousity and support, this fundraiser would not be a success. And finally, to all the students who worked so hard, and raised such an incredible amount of money, congratulations!! Enjoy the new books!!