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Halloween Parade, Ton of Coins Traditions Continue

10/31/2019

They came across the bridge — Collegiate JK-1st Graders dressed as superheroes, princesses, cotton candy, pilots, policemen, dinosaurs and witches — headed toward the Upper School. In addition to showing off their costumes, the littlest Cougars carried cups and bags of coins that will fund a scholarship for deserving Collegiate students in need.

The gold clawfoot bathtub located temporarily in the hallway of Pitt Hall soon became full of loose change as the JK-1st Graders emptied their cups with Upper Schoolers looking on. Later in the day, 2nd through 4th Graders, as well as Middle and Upper School students, would add their coins in the tub.

Retired Collegiate English teacher and Interact Club advisor Lewis “Bubba” Lawson began the annual school-wide Ton of Coins event 30 years ago. The event is now one of Collegiate’s favorite (and possibly cutest) traditions.

Collegiate senior Rennie Spotts recalled wearing a witch costume when she was in Kindergarten.

“The outfits have changed a lot since then,” she said.

Viewing the parade as it wound through the hall, Collegiate 10th Grader Cam Holdych remembered dressing up as Luke Skywalker as a Kindergartener.

“It’s kind of nostalgic,” he said of the parade.

While the costumes may have evolved, the event still remains the same.

“It’s fun watching the little kids,” said 10th Grader Jack Ratchford. “I like this tradition and the fact that the coins go toward a scholarship.”

Since its inception, the coin drive has raised approximately $7,000 per year and more than $250,000 in total.

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