On June 1 at 2:30 p.m., 327 cereal boxes were lined up on the playground at Conestoga Elementary School, 100 Hill St., Conestoga. For a month, elementary students had collected cereal boxes for The Loft Community Partnership and the food bank at Conestoga Valley Christian Community Services. To celebrate their efforts, students, teachers, and staff at Conestoga Elementary School gathered on the playground to watch the boxes fall over like a line of dominoes. As soon as the last box hit the ground, everyone cheered.
"One of our school mottos is to be kind to everyone, and this was one of the ways to accomplish that and give to the community," said reading specialist and domino challenge coordinator Beth Corl. "This is the first time we have been together in one spot as a school this entire year. It's been a lot of fun."
After the domino celebration, Corl, fourth-grade teacher Lori Graham, and principal Tamara Baker were honored for their upcoming retirement. They were given books handmade by students and yearbooks signed by the entire school. In addition, books were purchased for the school's library in their honor.
"Mrs. Corl, you have dedicated your career to helping students build the skill and enjoyment in reading," stated Baker. "Mrs. Graham, I have been inspired by your vision and dedication to your craft. We have a big debt to pay by having you both on the staff."
To honor Corl and Graham, one of the co-presidents and the treasurer of the parent-teacher organization (PTO) presented two engraved stepping stones for the school's garden. In honor of Baker, the PTO donated a new picnic table to the school.
"What I will miss most about Mrs. Baker is her calming presence," said assistant superintendent Dr. Jerry Egan. "You can always rely on her to do her best and work hard. She has been a great role model for all of the students and for me over the years."
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