Ton of Coins Raises Funds for Scholarships

10/31/2018

After parading through the Lower School this morning, costumed Collegiate School JK-1st Graders dressed as Batman, Wonder Woman, Harry Potter, baseball players, Darth Vader, butterflies, birthday cake, witches, a genie on a magic carpet, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, a taco and more marched across the bridge toward the Upper School. The students, carrying cups of coins, were headed to Pitt Hall to deposit change that will fund a scholarship for deserving Collegiate students in need.

A gold clawfoot bathtub temporarily stationed in the hallway soon became full of loose change as the littlest Cougars emptied their cups with Upper Schoolers looking on. Later in the day, Middle and Upper School students, as well as 2nd through 4th Graders, would add their coins in the tub.

Nearly 30 years ago, retired Collegiate English teacher and Interact Club advisor Lewis “Bubba” Lawson started the annual school-wide Ton of Coins event, which has become a favorite Collegiate tradition.

Ninth Grader Grace Cowles said she and her classmates looked forward to bringing their coins.

“It is nice to know we are helping people,” she said. “And it’s nice to see all the Upper Schoolers being so welcoming to the little kids.”

Senior Zack Hunnicutt felt the event came full circle as he recalled dressing as Spiderman when he was a Kindergartner.

“Now it’s kind of cool to see my Kindergarten buddy dressed up,” he said. “It’s a great tradition.”

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

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