On Friday, May 7, 2021, the annual PTO carnival fundraiser raised over $20,000.
The school scheduled the carnival on the last day of the school year due to concerns about the pandemic. The PTO was not sure how community participation would be affected, and there were some concerns that having carnival so late in the year and amid a public health crisis might result in low attendance.
However, the crowd seemed to be about its usual size and the event raised more money than ever before. This grand success was largely due to generous donations in support of the candidates. They received enough soda to fill a swimming pool; so many cakes that they not only filled the bleachers near the cake walk, but they were piled all the way up the stairs in the gym; enough shirts to clothe the entire student body; and many, many more donations.
Instead of chili, walking tacos and corn dogs were served at 5:30PM, and games began at 6PM. There were also auctions and door prizes.
At the end of the night, fourth graders Graham Preston and Callie Johnson were crowned elementary king and queen; fifth graders Thayor Little and Haley Smith won the middle school crowns; and seniors Jaron VanHouden and Tori Vaughan were the winners in the high school.
Bodie Wilkerson and Bristol Routt were the crown bearer and flower girl.
The PTO dedicated this carnival to the memory of dedicated PTO member Sue Brillhart. They also recognized members Marie Day and Avaline Harris for sixty years of service, and Bert Grove for 45 years of service. All of the the members work very hard and are greatly appreciated by the teachers and students.
The PTO uses the funds they raise to support the school. The mats in the gym, the digital sign in front of the school, the gym floor cover, the portable stage used for graduation and other events, the senior composite display, improvements to the baseball field, classroom supplies, and much more have been purchased by the PTO in recent years. In addition, they host a back-to-school lunch for the staff, a teacher appreciation week, and athletic banquets each year. They also offer an annual scholarship to Chadwick graduates.
If you are interested in becoming a part of the PTO or would like more information, please contact PTO President Abby Bertoldie.
