St. Mary's Students Duct Tape Their Principal to Wall

Students at St. Mary's School in Owatonna recently reached their Minnesota Marathon goal with a late surge in donations that included the incentive of duct taping principal Jen Swanson to a wall.

The fundraising drive was a bit short of its $30,000 goal as the final turn in day approached. A challenge was added that any student who brought in $20 got a piece of duct tape. The tactic worked as 143 pieces of duct tape were handed out for the living artwork addition to a school wall

This was the 11th year that St. Mary's participated in the fundraising event for nonpublic Minnesota schools. Students receive pledge cards at the start of the school year and are encouraged to provide a service to family, friends and neighbors who make pledges. All money raised goes to the St. Mary's programs and classes.

The big storm during homecoming week forced a delay to the school's "Walk for Education." Students and staff held a "Work and Walk Wednesday" the following week, cleaning up at St. Mary's, St. Joseph Church, Lincoln School and area streets.

St. Mary's School thanks the community for its support during the marathon fundraiser.